The American chain of coffee shops Starbucks reported that it will leave the Russian market, a country where it had been operating for 15 years, joining other companies such as McDonald’s or Exxon Mobil that have taken similar measures in reaction to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The chain will close 130 stores throughout the country, which contribute less than 1% of its annual income, detailed a company statement.
The company had already announced the suspension of its commercial activities since March 8.
Starbucks underscored its condemnation “of Russia’s horrific attacks in Ukraine” and said it would continue to take action in line with its “values” as the situation evolved, the company explained at the time.
Starbucks explained that it will pay compensation of six months of salary to approximately 2,000 workers that the company has in Russia.
McDonald’s will keep jobs in Russia
The fast-food chain McDonald’s announced last March the temporary closure of its 850 stores in Russia and the freezing of its operations, which was a considerable blow given the presence of the chain in the vast Russian territory.
However, fast-food company McDonald’s announced last week that it had reached an agreement to sell its Russian business to businessman and franchise partner Alexandr Govor, which will save tens of thousands of jobs.
“Under the terms of the agreement, Mr. Govor acquires the chain ‘s entire restaurant portfolio and is going to develop it under a new brand,” McDonald’s said in a statement, noting that the Russian businessman has been a partner since 2015 and that in Siberia operate 25 franchises opened by him.
