Starbucks has left the Russian market.
The Seattle-based coffee giant said in a note to employees Monday that it has decided to close 130 of its stores and no longer has a brand presence in Russia. Starbucks said it will continue to pay its nearly 2,000 Russian employees for six months and help them move into new jobs.
Starbucks’ actions followed McDonald’s exit from the Russian market last week. McDonald’s mostly sells its __ store, which is owned by an existing Russian franchisee __. Stores will not be allowed to use the McDonald’s name or menu.
Starbucks stores are owned and operated by Alshaya Group, a Kuwait-based franchise operator. On Monday, a spokesperson for Alshaya sent questions to Starbucks.
Starbucks entered the Russian market in 2007. In early March, after Russia invaded Ukraine, Starbucks announced that it would keep its stores in Russia open, but donate all proceeds to humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
But a few days later, after __ Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, McDonald’s, and other companies temporarily suspended operations in Russia, __ Starbucks reversed course and temporarily closed its stores in Russia.
“In this ever-changing environment, we will continue to make decisions and communicate clearly that are consistent with our mission and values,” the CEO of Starbucks Corp. wrote at the time. Kevin Johnson sent a message to employees.
Source: Breitbart
