Starbucks around the country and around Greater Williamsburg are closing Tuesday afternoon for employee training.
In a letter from Executive Chairman Howard Schultz, the company announced it will temporarily close more than 8,000 stores nationwide to train employees how to make Starbucks “an inclusive gathering place for all.”
The decision to close the stores for training was made after a two black men were arrested at a Starbucks store in Philadelphia. Schultz called the arrests “reprehensible.”
During the store closures, employees will watch videos, including one by the rapper Common, about the importance of diversity and share their own experiences with bias, according to media reports.
Locations closing at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday
- Williamsburg Premium Outlets
- 5227 Monticello Ave.
- Cedar Valley Shopping Center
- 240 McLaws Circle
- 8135 George Washington Memorial Highway
Locations remaining open
- Inside Target at 4630 Monticello Avenue
- Inside Harris Teeter at the corner of Centreville and Richmond Road
- Inside Harris Teeter at 1470 Quarterpath Road
The Starbucks in Governor’s Green Shopping Center did not respond.
For several hours this afternoon, we will close stores and offices to discuss how to make Starbucks a place where all people feel welcome.
Thank you for your patience and support as we renew our promise to make Starbucks an inclusive gathering place for all.
See you tomorrow.
— Starbucks Coffee (@Starbucks) May 29, 2018
