A Starbucks location in Minnesota in 2019. The Seattle-based coffee chain is planning to close hundreds of stores. (Associated Press) Starbucks is planning to close hundreds of stores and lay off close to 1,000 employees as part of a turnaround effort. In a message to employees, Chief Executive Brian Niccol said the cost-cutting moves were necessary. Store closures will begin immediately, and the affected employees will be notified on Friday, Niccol said. The company has been revamping its slowing busin ...