As Starbucks implements its plan to close 600 stores, the nation’s workers feel the pinch; plus a special place in Arizona helps locals celebrate life.

Newspapers around the country were abuzz this weekend with news that Starbucks is planning to cut 195 more stores. While the coffee giant has seen struggles over the past two years as the economy has declined, these store closures often hit home as locals lose their jobs.

The Baltimore Sun reported Saturday that seven of those stores would be in the state of Maryland, with one in the city of Baltimore and another at a mall in nearby Annapolis. In Massachusetts, the Boston Globe also noted stores in Plymouth and Woburn would be shutting their doors soon.

Meanwhile, a Texas-based website called Amarillo.com was also on the story saying that a “brand-spankin’ new” Starbucks in a newly developed shopping center called Western Crossing will also close. The store opened last year, but the website reported that the chain also pulled out on two locations in the area before they even had a chance to open.

“The timing of specific store closures depends upon a number of factors,” an unnamed Starbucks source said in an email. “Some of the impacted locations will be closed by the end of April, with the remainder closing by the end of the fiscal year. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide specific details on each store.”

These closures are the result of a plan first announced last summer when the Seattle giant announced that it would cut a total of 600 stores by the end of the first quarter of 2009. Those up for closure are stores that the company believes to be unprofitable and won’t have the potential to generate “acceptable returns in the foreseeable future,” the Boston Globe reported.

Starbucks has posted a full list of the stores that will close. You can find out if your favorite location will be affected by clicking here.

Survivor helps others enjoy life

On a lighter note, AZCentral.com is reporting on a new coffeehouse in Phoenix that’s making life healthier for a lot of people. Luci’s Healthy Marketplace is a unique store that will feature eco-friendly products and gluten-free foods as well as freshly made smoothies and espresso drinks.

“I’m impressed,” said first-time customer Narain Lazar, sipping a vanilla latte. “It’s a cute little place. There’s a Starbucks on every corner, in every Safeway. We need more places like this.”

Luci’s is named for Lucia Schnitzer who opened the store two weeks ago with her husband Ken. Lucia is a breast-cancer survivor, and Ken says he’s happy to provide customers with a healthy place to enjoy treats like Lucia looked forward to when she was sick.

“We really wanted to provide something to the community that was theirs, a safe haven where they can get quality coffee, quality food,” Lucia said. “Waking up, I’m so thankful for another day of life. It’s important that people come in and feel alive. It’s a good feeling.”

No Comments »