Starbucks will be closing hundreds of stores and laying off hundreds of employees in Canada and the United States, according to an announcement on Thursday. In a message to employees, Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol shared two decisions the company has made in support of its "Back to Starbucks" plan. After reviewing the coffee chain's North America portfolio, Niccol said they identified stores that weren't performing well financially. This is a more significant action that we understand will impact partners and customers." In an email statement, a Starbucks spokesperson said they could not share specific details regarding the store closures in Canada.