News Summary
Starbucks has announced the closure of at least five locations across Wisconsin as part of a global restructuring strategy aimed at optimizing operations. The affected stores are primarily found in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Wausau. The closures, which will officially take place on September 27, are in response to declining sales and are part of a broader plan that includes laying off 900 nonretail employees. Starbucks acknowledges the emotional impact these closures have on employees and the community, emphasizing its focus on enhancing customer experience and improving store performance.
Milwaukee – Starbucks is set to close at least five locations in Wisconsin, as part of a broader strategy announced on September 25 aimed at restructuring and optimizing operations globally. The affected stores are situated in the Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Wausau areas. The closing locations include:
- 383 W. Brown Deer Road, Fox Point
- 151 N. Mayfair Road, Wauwatosa
- 10204 Park Plaza, Rothschild
- 1896 E. Washington Ave., Madison (no hours listed after Sept. 27)
- 2883 S. Oneida St., Ashwaubenon (no hours listed after Sept. 27)
At least three of these locations will close officially on September 27, 2025. Phone confirmations from staff at several locations supported the announcement, although Starbucks has not yet released an official list of store closures. Employees at the affected stores have been instructed not to discuss the matter with the media. Starbucks plans to inform customers with signage at the stores and through an email notification.
Starbucks is recognizing the emotional and social impact of the store closures on both employees and customers, noting that their locations often serve as vital community hubs. The company’s CEO highlighted the need for these reductions as part of a turnaround plan due to ongoing challenges with lower sales. This decision comes on the heels of the company experiencing its sixth consecutive quarter of declining same-store sales.
The closures will represent approximately 1% of Starbucks’ stores as the company aims to focus resources on areas where they can successfully create the desired physical environment for customers and achieve improved financial performance. In addition to the closures, Starbucks will also lay off 900 nonretail employees as part of these operational changes.
Starbucks Workers United, which represents around 12,000 baristas, has been seeking further information regarding the closures, underscoring their significance to employees in the workforce. On September 28, Starbucks will update its app to reflect the upcoming store closings, ensuring that users are aware of the latest changes.
The overarching strategy to close these stores is a part of a wider plan to redesign over 1,000 locations globally within the next year, with the goal of enhancing the customer experience and improving overall store performance. The company is taking decisive actions in response to the challenges posed by lower sales and an extensive review of overall store performance across its locations.
As these plans unfold, Starbucks remains focused on adapting its business model to better meet the demands of its consumer base while retaining its identity as a community-centered brand.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- JSONline: Starbucks Stores to Close
- Spectrum News 1: Starbucks Closures in Wisconsin
- WISN: Milwaukee Area Starbucks Locations Closing
- WMTV: Madison Starbucks Stores Close
- AP News: Starbucks Store Closures and Layoffs
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
