Since the beginning of this year, Starbucks Malaysia has been experiencing heavy financial losses due to nationwide boycotts held against the brand.
As of late, there was also a news report which alleged that the company will be shutting down hundreds of outlets for good, no thanks to decreased foot traffic and sales following the boycott movement.
Starbucks M’sia: Closures are temporary, not permanent
Following the report’s release, Starbucks Malaysia has since stepped forward to clear the air regarding the matter.
Speaking to NST’s Business Times, a spokesperson flatly denied the report, saying that it was untrue.
The claim that more than 100 Starbucks outlets in Malaysia have been shut down is false. While we have ceased operations at only a few stores, most of the allegedly closed locations are only temporarily closed.
“The temporary closures are part of an ongoing assessment, allowing them to align their presence more strategically, with no loss of jobs,” he said.
The spokesperson also reiterated that none of Starbucks Malaysia’s workers were unaffected by the permanent or temporary closures, adding that they were “reassigned to nearby stores to continue serving customers seamlessly.”
The brand said they are starting to see an improvement in sales as customers have discovered that allegations made against them were false and that Starbucks was never named in the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) list.
Read more about the financial losses Starbucks M’sia suffered at the start of the boycott movement here:
