Starbucks has confirmed the closure of 10 UK stores by the end of October 2025, citing challenging trading conditions. The coffee giant operates around 520 company-owned stores in the UK, alongside numerous franchise outlets, and employs over 5,600 people.
The first store to close was at Brunel Retail Park in Whitley on October 16, followed by Leyton Mills Retail Park on October 19 and London Bridge Station on October 20. The remaining closures—Balham, Glasgow Exchange Place, King's Lynn, Muswell Hill, Aberdeen's Holburn Junction, and Holland Park—took place on October 26.
Starbucks stated it is closing locations where it cannot "create the physical environment customers desire" and where profitability is unsustainable. Despite these closures, the company reaffirmed plans to open 80 new UK sites, maintaining its commitment to the market.
The closures are part of a broader global portfolio review. In North America, Starbucks plans to shrink its store portfolio by 1% this year and cut around 900 head office positions. Earlier this year, the firm eliminated 1,100 corporate roles in February.
Chairman and chief executive Brian Niccol, who joined a year ago, has faced criticism for using a private jet to commute from California to Seattle. Starbucks, founded in 1971, now operates over 40,000 outlets worldwide.
