Starbucks Is Closing All Stores in the U.S. on May 29
For one day to conduct racial-bias education.
On May 29 Starbucks will be closing every store in the United States. The closure will take place mid-day and the announcement was released over backlash during a racial-bias incident that occurred last week at one Philadelphia Starbucks location.
In a statement, Starbucks shared an explanation over the move that’ll roll out to 175,000 employees, cross-country:
“Starbucks Coffee Company announced it will be closing its more than 8,000 company-owned stores in the United States on the afternoon of May 29 to conduct racial-bias education geared toward preventing discrimination in our stores.
All Starbucks company-owned retail stores and corporate offices will be closed in the afternoon of Tuesday, May 29. During that time, partners will go through a training program designed to address implicit bias, promote conscious-inclusion, prevent discrimination and ensure everyone inside a Starbucks store feels safe and welcome.
Earlier this week Starbucks began a review of its training and practices to make important reforms where necessary to ensure our stores always represent our Mission and Values, by providing a safe and inclusive environment for our customers and partners.”
Let us know your thoughts on the chain’s responsive action in the comments below. In other Starbucks news, the brand plans to spend $10 million USD to invent new compostable cups dubbed the “NextGen Cup Challenge.”
