3. Starbucks
Jobs lost: 34,000
% drop (1 year): 19%
Remaining employees*: 142,000
Fortune 500 rank: 241
Throughout 2008 and 2009, the coffee retailer closed more than 800 stores in the U.S., 100 stores overseas, and laid off 34,000 "partners." As a result of the cost cutting measures, the coffee retailer was able to increase profits last year by 24%, to $390 million.
NEXT: Alcoa
Last updated May 13 2010: 9:10 AM ET
* Full-time equivalent employees as of the end of 2009
