Downtown Kingston is losing one of its busiest coffee spots.
Starbucks is closing its Princess and Wellington Street location as part of a plan to shut down about 400 stores across North America.
The company confirmed Thursday the closures are part of a $1-billion restructuring that also includes 900 corporate layoffs.
In addition to Kingston, one of Gananoque’s favourite coffee stops will also shut its doors this weekend, leaving regulars without a familiar place to grab a drink any time of day.
Analysts say the chain is being squeezed by rising competition from independent cafés, lower-cost chains and drive-thru operators. Consumers have also been pushing back against higher prices.
Starbucks, which has more than 32,000 stores worldwide, still plans to open new outlets next year, but the Kingston and Gananoque closures highlight shifting habits in a tougher market.
Story by Alyssa Brush
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