ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Starbucks is shutting down hundreds of stores across North America and is laying off 900 corporate employees as part of a $1 billion restructuring.

Analysts estimate around 500 stores could close in North America this quarter. The company says baristas will be offered severance and possible transfers, and its app will be updated this weekend to show where customers can no longer order.

It is unclear whether any St. Louis stores are on the chopping block.

At Pass the Past Coffee in the Central West End, owner Erica Tsimerman says she hasn’t seen a major shift away from big brands like Starbucks yet, but hopes more consumers will consider keeping their dollars local.

“I know there are some things in life we have to rely on big brands for,” Tsimerman said,

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