From CNBC:

Starbucks has launched a new store design focused on accessibility and inclusion, with open floor plans and fresh light fixtures. The first location with the new design opened in Washington, D.C.’s Union Market. The store is designed to have an unobstructed path for customers and features power-operated doors, lower counters, and a more accessible point-of-sale system.

The new cafe also has a more accessible Clover Vertica system for brewing drip coffee and digital status boards to alert customers when their drinks are ready. The store’s lighting has been changed to minimize glare, shadows, and backlighting, and insulation has been improved to reduce noise levels. Starbucks plans to open more than 600 new stores this year, increasing its U.S. footprint by 4%, including licensed locations.

Starbucks’ new store design also includes open sightlines and a floor plan free of obstacles. Despite the added accessibility features, building more accessible stores won’t be significantly more expensive than current designs, according to Starbucks North America president Sara Trilling. She sees the new design as a way to enhance customer connection and employee engagement.



Read more: Starbucks has a new accessible store design. Take a look inside