Starbucks announced that it would close all of its 379 Teavana locations, including one in Elmhurst, after purchasing the company in 2012.
According to a press release issued by the coffee chain, Teavana has been “persistently underperforming.” All locations, including the one at Queens Center mall, will close by spring 2018.
“Following a strategic review of the Teavana store business, the company concluded that despite efforts to reverse the trend through creative merchandising and new store designs, the underperformance was likely to continue,” the press release stated.
As a result, 3,300 people will be laid off and will have the opportunity to apply for positions at Starbucks. The tea products will still be sold at remaining Starbucks’ and at grocery stores.
The chain sold a variety of hot and iced teas, teaware and was loved by mall patrons for offering free samples.
