Barstow's Starbucks survive closure orders

BARSTOW — A list of 600 Starbucks slated to close in the United States does not include the company’s three Barstow locations.

“And thank god,” said East Main Street store manager Melinda Lopez.

Earlier this month, Starbucks named the 600 company-owned stores it plans to close as part of an effort to bolster its business. The Seattle-based company decided to close the stores after seeing its overall traffic and profits decline in the faltering economy as consumers altered their spending habits, the Associated Press reported.

Lopez, who was relieved that no Barstow cafes were on the list released last week, said the Barstow locations have been doing very well due to the large amount of travelers that stop for coffee.

Two Victorville Starbucks and the Starbucks in Baker are scheduled to close. The Starbucks on 17080 Bear Valley Road and the store on 14689 La Paz Drive will both close, according to the company’s Web site. According to Starbucks, the closures will take place starting now and into 2009.

California suffered the brunt of the closures with 102 closures. Las Vegas will have 16 locations close.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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