Starbucks is enhancing the customer experience by implementing technological improvements aimed at reducing noise levels in its stores. All new U.S. stores and approximately 1,000 renovated ones will feature acoustic dampening materials in the ceilings to better accommodate customers, including those with hearing aids. These changes are expected to improve order accuracy and the overall ambiance. Additionally, Starbucks is introducing adjustable lighting to reduce glare and visual disturbances, making their locations more accessible to guests with visual impairments. Other accessibility upgrades include a shelf for wheelchair accessibility, a transcribing point-of-sale system, power-operated doors with accessible buttons, and the Aira app, which assists blind or low-vision customers. The first of these revamped stores opened in Washington, D.C., in February.
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