Starbucks store opening in Penang
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A second Starbucks signing store has opened in Malaysia, this one in the heart of Penang’s historical deaf community.
The world’s fourth Starbucks signing store it is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, accessibility and diversity. It employs six deaf and seven hearing employees fluent in Malaysian Sign Language, expanding career advancement opportunities for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community in Malaysia.
Starbucks’ first signing store globally opened in 2016 in Kuala Lumpur. The outlet’s success has inspired Starbucks to open signing stores in Washington DC in the US and in Guangzhou, China.
In partnership with the Penang Deaf Association, Starbucks will support the professional training and development of the store’s employees, including internship opportunities and sign language classes.
The three-story, 4600sqft store showcases how digital innovation enhances inclusive design. The store has been designed specifically to meet the needs of the deaf and hard of hearing employees and customers, including visual alarms, digital trays, and point-of-sale systems with an attached customer display.
The Starbucks signing store also features a unique wall mural created by local deaf artist Lim Anuar, along with unique merchandise featuring sign language to raise awareness of the deaf community.
Questions & Answers
Q.How many deaf and hearing employees work at the new Starbucks signing store in Penang?
How many deaf and hearing employees work at the new Starbucks signing store in Penang?
The new store employs six deaf and seven hearing individuals. All staff are fluent in Malaysian Sign Language, supporting career advancement for the deaf community in Malaysia.
Q.What specific features has the Penang Starbucks store incorporated to enhance inclusivity?
What specific features has the Penang Starbucks store incorporated to enhance inclusivity?
The store features visual alarms, digital trays, and point-of-sale systems with attached customer displays. It also includes a unique wall mural by a local deaf artist and merchandise promoting sign language awareness.
Q.Which organisations are partnering to support employee development at the Penang signing store?
Which organisations are partnering to support employee development at the Penang signing store?
Starbucks is partnering with the Penang Deaf Association. This collaboration will support professional training and development for employees, including internships and sign language classes.
Q.Where were other Starbucks signing stores opened after the initial success in Kuala Lumpur?
Where were other Starbucks signing stores opened after the initial success in Kuala Lumpur?
Following the success of the first store in Kuala Lumpur, Starbucks opened signing stores in Washington D.C. In the US, and in Guangzhou, China, expanding their global initiative.
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