Starbucks will close one of its stores near Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington, citing an increase in crime.
Seattle-based coffee chain said KOMO News on Tuesday announced that the store at the corner of 1st and Pike, across from the popular market, will be closing.
A Starbucks spokesperson said: “As a standard practice, we regularly evaluate our store portfolio to determine how to best serve the needs of our communities and customers, and to help our partners enjoy drinks in a warm and welcoming environment. We are making sure that they receive the support to create them.” “We look forward to continuing to serve the community and visitors at our other nearby stores, including our original store at 1912 Pike Place, First and University.”
Adam Hasson, the building’s leasing agent, told KOMO News that Starbucks has already signed an early termination agreement.
“When I saw the for sale sign up, I thought, ‘Oh my god, this really looks like the real thing,'” Deanna Cunningham, a manager at a nearby store, told the magazine. “The main focus is to make the customer feel comfortable, and if we don’t do that, even when we’re busy, it may be their first interaction with Starbucks because there are so many tourists. I understand that it can deter people.”
That Starbucks store temporarily closed at the end of July 2024. According to Seattle Times. Spokesman Sam Jeffries said the company is “considering how best to provide a warm and welcoming environment for our customers and partners.” [employees] At this store. ”
Seattle, like any other city, is rife with criminal activity. The city’s violent crime rate rose to the highest rate in 15 years in 2022, according to the Seattle Police Department’s year-end crime report. This came after the Seattle City Council cut SPD’s 2021 budget. According to police officials, 122 police officers will retire in 2022. Seattle business owners detailed their experiences with crime, drug use and homelessness to the Daily Caller News Foundation in 2023.
“They’ll accept anything short of firmness,” businessman Peter Morse told DCNF of the alleged conduct. “No one wants to be a police officer these days.”
Back in 2022, Starbucks closed five Seattle stores due to safety concerns. According to Seattle Times. A spokesperson told the publication that the decision to close the coffee shops was taken after a number of crime-related complaints were recorded at each coffee shop. A company spokesperson said concerns that prompted the move included theft, assault and drug use. The move was part of the closure of at least 16 stores across the country. (Related: Walmart considers price hikes due to store closures and rampant theft)
Erin Bray, who worked at the former Union Station location, told the Seattle Times that she requested additional security, including a security guard in the lobby, after multiple assaults occurred.
