Report: Starbucks to close 31 U.K. stores

London Starbucks plans to close 31 stores in the United Kingdom as part of its plan to scale back on its international portfolio, according to a report in The Independent. Two of the stores that will close are in London.

While Starbucks plans to open about 70 company-owned stores and 310 licensed stores internationally during fiscal 2009 (ending Sept. 27), the retailer also plans to close about 100 international stores this fiscal year.

Starbucks currently operates more than 700 stores in the United Kingdom and Ireland.