COFFEE’S OFF
Starbucks fans fuming over sudden closure start petition -but chain swears decision made after ‘careful consideration’
The store is one of several closing this year
STARBUCKS fans in one state are banding together in an attempt to stop the closure of a long-time location set to shut its doors next month.
Earlier this month, the coffee chain announced it would be closing a location in the neighborhood of Alki in western Seattle, Washington.
2
2
Starbucks confirmed to West Seattle Blog that the store, located at 2742 Alki Avenue, would be shuttering on August 11.
All current employees staffed at the store are expected to be given opportunities to transfer to nearby locations.
The location has been open since 1999 and its closure will only leave five other stores open in West Seattle, according to West Seattle Blog.
The closure comes approximately 16 years after the last location was shut down in the region.
Read More on Store Closures
Local customers are in an uproar over the store closing, with hundreds banding together to launch a petition to keep it open.
The petition, titled Save Our Alki Beach Starbucks!, outlines four main reasons why the customers want the store to remain:
- Supporting the community
- Boosting the local economy
- Convenient location
- Impact on employees
“The Alki Beach Starbucks is more than just a coffee shop; it's a central gathering place for our community,” the petition reads.
Most read in Money
“It provides a space for friends to meet, families to connect, and neighbors to come together.
“The Alki Starbucks significantly boosts the local economy by attracting visitors and supporting nearby businesses,” it continues.
FALLEN STAR 'It's sad,' cry Starbucks fans as coffee chain is forced to close its original Seattle store after brazen crime
“Its closure will create a void felt by many, especially remote workers who use it as a hub to take a break from their home offices.”
The petition also claims that by closing the store, Starbucks is decreasing Alki’s walkability and is causing disruptions for store employees.
“We understand that Starbucks needs to make strategic decisions about its store portfolio, but we believe the Alki Beach location is vital to our community,” it reads.
“We ask Starbucks to reconsider this closure and explore other options, such as renovation or relocation within the Alki Beach area.
"Let's send a message that this place matters to our community."
Starbucks locations closing in 2024
Permanent Closures
- 630 K St. in Sacramento, California
- 2742 Alki Avenue in Seattle, Washington
- Capitol building location on L Street in Sacramento, California
- Warren Street in Trenton, New Jersey
- 315 Ellsworth Drive in Silver Springs, Maryland
Temporary Closures
- 995 Main Street, Newington, Connecticut
- 538 Boston Post Road, Orange, Connecticut
- 1030 Barnum Avenue, Stratford, Connecticut
- 1090 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield, Connecticut
So far, Starbucks has stood by the decision to close the store.
In their statement to West Seattle Blog, the company said it routinely evaluates its store portfolio to see how it can best serve its customers.
This can result in opening new locations, renovations, relocations, or closures.
Read More on The US Sun
When it comes to the Alki location, Starbucks said the decision to close came “after careful consideration.”
As of Saturday, the petition to keep the Starbucks store open had over 550 signatures.