Coffee giant Starbucks is set to close 400 of its shops in North America and will introduce its new “Pickup” concept of mobile phone ordering, as it adapts to changes brought by the coronavirus pandemic.
The company will close 200 shops in the US and 200 in Canada, it said on Wednesday.
In a typical year, Starbucks closes about 100 stores in the Americas because of leases coming to an end, changes of location and market conditions.
Starbucks opened 200 net shops in the Americas in the second financial quarter of 2020, and it intends to open 300 in the fiscal year.
But the pandemic has taken a dramatic toll on its business, and it had originally planned to open 600 this fiscal year.
The coffee shop chain estimates it will lose more than $3 billion (Dh11.01bn) because of the virus outbreak.
To adapt to a new Covid-19 economy, Starbucks intends to combine the traditional sit and stay cafe with new on-the-go experiences, and reposition its network of stores.
Pickup stores are intended for customers in busy cities looking to order and pay ahead using the Starbucks App on the way to their next destination.
There is currently only one Pickup shop operating in New York City.
The American store portfolio will include the expansion of Starbucks Pickups in New York, Chicago, Seattle and San Francisco, and convenience-led improvements such as curbside, drive-through and walk-up windows in suburban areas.
The US company is looking to implement these changes over the next 18 months.
The company said it was seeing an increase in customers using its app to order ahead and most Starbucks orders were being delivered through companies such as Uber Eats.
In response to this, Starbucks will also renovate some store layouts, including a separate counter for mobile orders at high-volume stores, which will make it easier for customers and delivery couriers to pick up.
“Starbucks stores have always been known as the ’third place', a welcoming place outside our home and work where we connect over a cup of coffee,” said Kevin Johnson, its chief executive.
“As we navigate through the Covid-19 crisis, we are accelerating our store transformation plans to address the realities of the current situation, while still providing a safe, familiar and convenient experience for our customers.”
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The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
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Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
If you go
Flying
Despite the extreme distance, flying to Fairbanks is relatively simple, requiring just one transfer in Seattle, which can be reached directly from Dubai with Emirates for Dh6,800 return.
Touring
Gondwana Ecotours’ seven-day Polar Bear Adventure starts in Fairbanks in central Alaska before visiting Kaktovik and Utqiarvik on the North Slope. Polar bear viewing is highly likely in Kaktovik, with up to five two-hour boat tours included. Prices start from Dh11,500 per person, with all local flights, meals and accommodation included; gondwanaecotours.com
The years Ramadan fell in May
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Directed: Smeep Kang
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
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Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
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