Alshaya Group, the retail giant in the Gulf region and the Starbucks franchisee in the Middle East, announced on Tuesday its intention to lay off two thousand employees due to the consequences of the consumer boycott related to the Gaza war.
The company said: “As a result of the ongoing difficult trading conditions over the past six months, we have made the very sad and difficult decision to reduce the number of associates in Starbucks stores in the Middle East and North Africa region.”
Alshaya declined to answer questions about the number of employees it had laid off.
Alshaya is a private family company that owns the franchise rights to a variety of Western companies, including Shake Shack, H&M and The Cheesecake Factory in addition to Starbucks, and acknowledged in a statement the dismissal of employees from its locations in the Middle East and North Africa.
Informed sources, who requested anonymity, reported that the process of eliminating jobs that began on Sunday aims to lay off about four percent of the total workforce at Alshaya, which numbers about 50,000 people, and is mostly concentrated in Starbucks branches in the Middle East and North Africa.
One source stated that the boycott campaigns led to difficulties in the company’s working conditions. “We sympathize with the Starbucks employees who will be laid off, and we want to thank them for their contributions,” a Starbucks spokesperson told Reuters.
“Starbucks remains committed to working closely with Alshaya to achieve long-term growth in this important region,” he added.
Founded in 1890 in Kuwait, Alshaya Group is one of the largest retail franchisees in the region and has the operating rights to popular Western brands such as the Cheesecake Factory and Shake Shack.
It has had the rights to operate Starbucks cafes in the Middle East since 1999. The Starbucks unit operates about 2,000 outlets in 13 countries in the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia.
Western brands have been affected by largely spontaneous popular boycott campaigns due to the war launched by Israel on the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas attack on it on October 7.
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2024-04-24 01:26:30
Due to boycott campaigns, Starbucks Middle East lays off hundreds of employees
Unexpected Closure: Dom’s Kitchen and Foxtrot Shut Down Stores Following Merger
Dom’s Kitchen & Foxtrot Stores Closure
Customers were taken aback by the sudden closure of Dom's Kitchen & Market and Foxtrot stores in Chicago and beyond. The storefront signs bidding farewell left many feeling a mix of surprise and sadness.
The decision to shut down all stores came less than six months after the announcement of a merger between the two Chicago-based companies. Despite exploring various options to sustain the businesses, the companies were unable to find a feasible solution.
Closure Details
Dom's Kitchen confirmed the closure on its website, citing the challenges faced in keeping the stores operational. The closure affects two Dom's Kitchen locations and 33 Foxtrot stores across Dallas, Austin, and Washington, D.C., with doors closing starting April 23, 2024.
The statement expressed gratitude to loyal customers, acknowledging their support and trust in both Dom's and Foxtrot. It emphasized the cherished memories created during their service.
Customer Reactions
Crystal Jones, a Wrigley Field employee, shared her surprise and disappointment upon discovering the closure of the nearby Foxtrot store. The handwritten sign on the window conveyed the final goodbye to regular customers, leaving Jones and others saddened by the loss.
Reflecting on the closure, Jones mentioned the quality of food and service provided by Foxtrot, expressing confusion over the decision to shut down. While changes in the business landscape are not uncommon, the closure of familiar establishments like Foxtrot evokes a sense of sadness.
Visual Representation
Accompanying the closure announcement was a handwritten sign taped to the window of the Wrigley Field Foxtrot location, signaling the end of its operations. The visual cue added a poignant touch to the news, resonating with customers who frequented the establishment.
As businesses like Dom's Kitchen & Market and Foxtrot bid farewell, the impact on customers and the community serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of the retail landscape.
A Farewell to Foxtrot: The Closure of a Neighborhood Favorite
Stephanie Roatis, a 26-year-old resident near Foxtrot's Wrigley location, was taken aback when she learned about the store's closure. Amid work calls, she rushed to the store to witness it firsthand. "I'm pretty shocked," Roatis expressed. "They just went through the merger, what, less than six months ago? I was assuming expansion, not randomly closing. And I also expected more of an explanation."
Roatis revealed that her team at work frequented Foxtrot weekly, and she herself visited regularly to stock up on snacks.
Employees shared that they were instructed to dispose of perishable items and vacate the premises. However, some employees coordinated donations of the remaining food to nearby food banks.
The Merger of Foxtrot and Dom's Kitchen
In November 2023, Foxtrot and Dom's Kitchen unveiled plans to merge under a new entity named Outfox Hospitality. While the financial details remained undisclosed, the merger aimed to enhance the customer experience and invigorate the retail sector.
Despite retaining their individual identities, the brands intended to introduce shared services, such as featuring Foxtrot's specialties in Dom's stores. Liz Williams, the CEO of Foxtrot, was slated to assume a key operational role at Outfox, alongside Dom's CEO Don Fitzgerald during a transitional phase.
Both establishments were recognized for their compact size compared to mainstream grocery stores. Situated in upscale neighborhoods, they offered meticulously curated food and spirits, in addition to online ordering options for pickup or delivery.
The Legacy of Foxtrot and Dom's Kitchen
Customers reminisce about the unique experiences at Foxtrot and Dom's Kitchen. From the convenience of online orders to the personalized service, these stores left a lasting impression on their patrons.
While Foxtrot's closure may mark the end of an era, the memories of its vibrant atmosphere and diverse product offerings will endure. As the retail landscape evolves, the legacy of Foxtrot and Dom's Kitchen will remain etched in the hearts of their loyal customers.
Market Closures in Chicago: Foxtrot and Dom’s Kitchen Shutdown
Bob Mariano, the co-founder and co-Chairman of Foxtrot and Dom’s Kitchen, did not respond to requests for comment regarding the recent closures of their stores in Chicago.
Both companies have not disclosed the reasons behind the closures and have not filed for bankruptcy as of the latest update.
Employee Impact
Rebecca Haller, a former employee at Foxtrot’s Wrigley Field branch, expressed her surprise at the sudden turn of events. She mentioned that there were signs of trouble with the supply chain and the inability to place orders through the mobile app.
Employees were informed of the closure via email, leaving them without a job and uncertain about their future. The lack of transparency from the companies has left many employees in distress.
Foxtrot had a total of 15 stores in Chicago and additional locations in Dallas, Austin, and Washington D.C. Dom’s Kitchen operated two stores in Chicago and had plans for a third location.
Following the closures, services such as delivery, account credits, and mobile apps will cease to operate, affecting both employees and customers.
Reports from Washington D.C. indicated that employees were caught off guard by the news and were given minimal notice before the closures took effect.
Despite the abrupt nature of the closures, the companies assured employees of their commitment to supporting them during the transition period.
Employee Support and Transition
Employees were provided with a FAQ document to address their concerns and were advised not to report to work after a specified date. Final paychecks and benefits were scheduled to be processed accordingly.
The lack of a WARN notice filing raised questions about the companies' compliance with labor regulations and the treatment of their employees during the closure process.
Employees expressed disappointment in the handling of the situation and the impact it had on their livelihoods.
As the affected employees navigate through this challenging period, the community and local authorities are closely monitoring the developments to ensure fair treatment and support for those impacted by the closures.
Shuttered Doors and Disappointment
Upon learning about the closure of Dom's Kitchen & Market in Lincoln Park, Trinh Vo, a 20-year-old DePaul University student, expressed her disappointment. She had hoped to find discounted groceries at the store located at 2730 N. Halsted St., only to discover the doors locked.
Vo shared, "He was supposed to work later this afternoon, and then they're just like, 'Don't come in today.' I live right around here, and I know so many people that go here so I thought it was pretty popular. I'm kind of shocked."
An anonymous employee at the Lincoln Park store mentioned that he first heard about the closure through rumors on Monday but received official notification from the company on Tuesday.
He stated, "Officially, I found out today. I called my manager. He had a 10-minute meeting with the higher-ups, and they just did a Zoom meeting and said, 'Yeah, we're closing the store at 12. Make sure to take the trash out; lock the doors.' And that was the end of it. They're asking questions, but they just ended the meeting and didn't answer any questions."
Jane Foster, a 19-year-old resident near Dom's Kitchen, described the closure as "surreal" and expressed frustration at the sudden loss of jobs, stating, "It's frustrating to see people just being put out of work so abruptly. This is people's lives."
Additional Insights
It is essential to recognize the impact of sudden closures on both employees and the community. The closure of businesses like Dom's Kitchen can have far-reaching consequences beyond just economic loss.
Dom’s Kitchen & Market Closes Its Doors
A recent development in Lincoln Park has left residents saddened as Dom’s Kitchen & Market announced its closure. The sign outside the establishment conveyed the message: “Hey neighbors, Dom’s is saying goodbye & we’re shutting our stores and app down. Thanks for eating & enjoying with us.” This unexpected closure has left a void in the community.
Impact on the Community
The closure of Dom’s Kitchen & Market has had a significant impact on the local community. Residents who frequented the establishment for their meals and groceries are now left without a familiar spot to visit. The loss of this beloved store has left many feeling nostalgic for the good times they had there.
Reflections on the Closure
As residents reflect on the closure of Dom’s Kitchen & Market, they remember the delicious meals and friendly atmosphere that made it a staple in the neighborhood. The closure serves as a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of businesses and the importance of supporting local establishments.
Looking Ahead
While the closure of Dom’s Kitchen & Market is a loss for the community, it also presents an opportunity for new businesses to emerge and fill the void left behind. Residents are hopeful that new establishments will bring fresh energy and offerings to the neighborhood.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the closure of Dom’s Kitchen & Market has left a lasting impact on the community. As residents come to terms with this loss, they are reminded of the resilience of local businesses and the need to support them in order to preserve the unique character of their neighborhood.
Specialty Grocery Store in Lincoln Park Closes Its Doors
Recently, the community of Lincoln Park was shocked by the news of Dom’s Kitchen & Market, a beloved specialty grocery store, closing down permanently. The store, known for its unique offerings and personalized service, has been a staple in the neighborhood for years.
Community Reaction
As people gathered outside the store, reading the closure sign with disbelief, a sense of sadness and nostalgia filled the air. Many residents shared fond memories of shopping at Dom’s and expressed their disappointment at losing such a cherished local establishment.
Impact on Local Economy
The closure of Dom’s Kitchen & Market will not only affect the residents on a personal level but also have economic repercussions on the neighborhood. The loss of a popular business like this can lead to a decrease in foot traffic and revenue for other nearby stores.
Looking Ahead
While the closure of Dom’s Kitchen & Market is a significant loss for Lincoln Park, it also presents an opportunity for new businesses to emerge and fill the void left behind. The community is hopeful that another unique establishment will take its place and continue to serve the neighborhood.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the closure of Dom’s Kitchen & Market serves as a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of local businesses and the importance of supporting small establishments. The impact of this loss will be felt by the community for years to come, but it also signifies a new chapter in the evolution of Lincoln Park.
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Unexpected Closure: Dom’s Kitchen and Foxtrot Shut Down Stores Following Merger
TFEX Report: Summary of SET50 Index Call and Put Options Trading Volume by Investor Type on April 23, 2024
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The Futures Exchange (TFEX) report summarizes the trading volume of SET50 Index Call Options and SET50 Index Put Options, broken down by investor type, on April 23, 2024, as follows:
SET50 Index Call Options
(Unit: number of contracts)
Net buying and selling institutions 62 121 -59 Foreign 1,104 316 788 Domestic 2,532 3,261 -729
SET50 Indexing Options
(Unit: number of contracts)
Net buying and selling institutions 338 392 -54 Foreign 331 2,062 -1,731 Domestic 4,698 2,913 1,785
#TFEX #summarizes #trading #volume #SET50 #Index #Put #Call #Options #group #23rd
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