Gulf Starbucks operator to lay off 2,000 amid Gaza boycotts

Gulf Retailer AlShaya Group to Lay Off 2,000 Amid Starbucks Boycott Challenges

A Kuwait-based retailer that operates Starbucks franchises in the Middle East and North Africa, AlShaya Group, has announced plans to lay off over 2,000 employees, accounting for approximately 4% of its workforce of nearly 50,000. These layoffs are a direct response to the ongoing difficulties faced by Starbucks due to the Israel-Hamas war and related boycotts. The job cuts, which commenced on Sunday, will primarily affect Starbucks branches in the Middle East and North Africa.