Issue date: 8/28/08 Section: News

Starbucks is closing 600 stores nationwide as part of a total transformation of the store. The Charleston Starbucks was not on the list of closing stores. (Robbie Wroblewski/The Daily Eastern News)

Starbucks coffee lovers have nothing to fear.

The coffee chain announced in July 600 stores would be shut down, but the Charleston store, located at 437 Lincoln Ave., was not included.

Kelly Mattran, a spokesman for Starbucks' marketing firm, said individual store information was not available to the public.

"It can be assumed that it is meeting or exceeding all of the non-closure criteria," she said.

The company is going through a transformation.

"In January, Starbucks committed to transforming the company through a series of initiatives that would improve the current state of our U.S. business, reignite emotional attachment with our customers, and build the business for the long term," Mattran said.

Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz announced at a July press conference that projected closures from January would be increasing to 600 due to the current economic climate.

Approximately 70 percent of the stores being closed opened after 2006 began and were under performing financially, competitively and operationally.

"Several other factors beyond a strict financial calculation were considered when evaluating stores for closures," Mattran said. "Much thought and consideration was given to each decision."

The purpose of the closures is to focus on improving customer service in existing profitable stores and future openings that are free of financial burden, according to the press release.

The Champaign Starbucks on North Neil Street was one of the stores being closed.

Both Charleston and Champaign stores' managers said they were not allowed to give interviews.

The closest store to Charleston is in Effingham approximately 39 miles away. Champaign also has two other stores.

Other popular coffee stops in Charleston include Eastern's Campus coffee shop, Java Bean & Bakery; Jackson Avenue Coffee and McDonalds.

"(Starbucks) believe(s) there is room for many coffeehouses in the marketplace that meet different customers' needs," Mattran said. "Starbucks represents less than 7 percent of the coffee consumption in the U.S. and purchases approximately 2 percent of the world's coffee production."



Krystal Moya can be reached at 581-7945 or at ksmoya@eiu.edu.

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