Starbucks will close 1% of its locations in the U.S. and North America and cut about 900 jobs as part of its Back to Starbucks transformation strategy, CEO Brian Niccol told employees Thursday, Sept. 25.

The specialty coffee chain will close specific locations "where we’re unable to create the physical environment our customers and partners expect, or where we don’t see a path to financial performance," Niccol said in a memo sent to employees and posted on the Starbucks blog .

Employees at those locations will be notifed this week and will be eligible for transfer to nearby locations, he said. The reduction in 900 "current non-retail partner roles" is part of the company's goal to "build toward a better Starbucks," Niccol said.

Those whose jobs are being eliminated will be notified

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