Starbucks Korea to Close Early After Boycott Hits Revenue

Starbucks Korea (ticker: SBUX) announced it will close all its stores early on June 22, 2026, for mandatory employee training on history and social sensitivity. The decision comes after a widespread boycott campaign affected the company's revenue in the country.

Details

According to local reports, closures will begin at 2 PM across all Korean branches to allow employees to attend training sessions focused on understanding sensitive historical events and enhancing social awareness. The company did not disclose the direct financial cost of the closure.

Context

The boycott campaign, dubbed "Tank Day," protested allegations of Starbucks' support for Israel during the Gaza conflict. The boycott led to a noticeable decline in sales in South Korea, prompting the company to take proactive steps to restore trust.

What It Means for Investors

While the one-day closure may have a limited impact on quarterly financial results, sustained boycott campaigns could pressure Starbucks' revenue in South Korea, a key Asian market. Investors will closely watch the effectiveness of these measures in improving brand perception.