Starbucks to cut 600 jobs; divide its field organization into four divisions

Source: Thomson Financial

NEW YORK, Feb. 21, 2008 -- Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) Corp. Thursday unveiled restructuring plans that call for a reduction of 600 jobs. This figure includes the elimination of existing positions and open headcount, as well as cuts to the current workforce.

The chain of coffee stores said about 220 partners were included in the reduction, most of whom were serving in non-retail support roles.

Starbucks also said that its U.S. field organization would function as four divisions, rather than the current two. The breakdown will be Western/Pacific, Northwest/Mountain, Southeast/Plains and Northeast/Atlantic. The transition to this structure will begin Feb. 25 and is expected to be completed by March 24.

The company expects the the changes to create more capacity for its field teams and align company leaders closer to its customers and partners.

Read more: http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/newstex/AFX-0013-23196651.htm

Now they can raise prices too!

...that said that Starbucks actually offers health insurance to a smaller percentage of its employees than Wal~Mart. As far as I could authenticate the claim, it seemed to check out.

Amazing what PR does...

It is on the IWW site. I don't have time go get it right now

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They should consider closing some stores ... like the ones across the street from another.