Starbucks’ next big design move takes aim at its small-footprint stores

New Starbucks coffeehouses are getting smaller. The coffee chain announced Tuesday that it’s rolling out store concepts with a smaller physical footprint. Prototypes of the new coffeehouse opened last year in New York City and last month in San Antonio. Starbucks said it was exploring the new concept because it can be adapted to smaller locations and different sizes and shapes, and yet still be inviting for customers. [Photo: Starbucks] As one of the largest chains in the world with more than 29,000 retail stores, Starbucks has a lot of real estate, and it’s rethought the footprint of its shops constantly in recent years. Its latest concept shows the company sees more and smaller coffee shops, designed to be inviting to guests, as key to growing revenue. [Photo: Starbucks] The new, smaller cafés have a shortened counter. A more compact glass case for displaying bakery and food items is located directly in front of customers at the point of sale. There are different seating layouts depending on the location. A tiny urban coffeeshop inside a former mobile-only shop that’s been converted might have seating for only a few people, while a larger location can fit plush seating and table…