Did Starbucks close down 50 outlets due to boycotts or some other reason

Did Starbucks close down 50 outlets due to boycotts or some other reason






The topic of boycotting American chain brands in Malaysia has been around for decades.


However, a massive boycott campaign took shape towards the end of last year following the Israeli war in Gaza, which emptied establishments like McDonalds and Starbucks.

Additionally, it appears that McDonald’s, KFC, and other fast food chains are doing better now, while the contrary is happening to Starbucks.


Some people aren’t surprised, feeling that Starbucks offers less than competitors like Zus Coffee or non-direct rivals like Chagee.

With the arrival of new players, the beverage industry in Malaysia seems to be undergoing significant changes.



According to reports, Starbucks in Malaysia has temporarily closed 50 out of its 408 stores, due to ongoing boycotts and rising competition.

Berjaya Food, the operator, reported a RM33.68 million loss in the latest quarter. Despite efforts to cut costs, the company faces challenges, raising concerns about Starbucks’ future appeal and customer loyalty.

For some, McDonalds and KFC are harder to boycott because of their price and quality.

These specific brands have perfected their recipes to the point that it may be difficult for many to boycott, said a user. This is because local establishments are unable to compete with these brands.



Some critics argue that Starbucks’ coffee contains too much sugar, making it more like a dessert.

An X user claims the chain is also struggling in Europe, not only due to the alleged boycotts but also because of high pricing.



—Nov 17, 2024



Main image: parade.com