SEATTLE, Wash. - Despite pleas from loyal coffee drinkers, Starbucks Corp. said it is moving forward with its plans to close 600 of its stores.

Earlier this month, Starbucks named the 600 company-owned stores it plans to shutter as part of an effort to bolster its business. But patrons from across the country asked Starbucks to reconsider.

Customers have called, written or tried to cajole the coffee giant with "Save Our Starbucks" petitions to keep their favorite location open.

But Starbucks said Monday that it is standing by its plans.

"We are humbled by the support we've received from our partners and customers regarding the closure of our stores," the company said in a statement. "We recognize the impact this announcement has had on the communities where we operate and value the feedback."

The company said the list of closing stores is considered final, pending some operational and contractual factors.

The Seattle-based company decided to close the stores after seeing its overall traffic and profits decline in the faltering economy as consumers altered their spending habits.