KUCHING: Starbucks is making strides in disability inclusion as it prepares to open its first signing store in East Malaysia at VivaCity Megamall here.
The store, set to officially launch on Aug 17, aims to provide employment opportunities for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, showcasing Starbucks’ dedication to fostering an inclusive work environment.
Starbucks head of public relations and communications, Alia Emira Ismail explained that the concept of the store was carefully curated to represent the uniqueness of their deaf partners.
The store will create a friendly and comfortable space where customers with hearing impairments can fluently communicate through sign language.
“We wanted to bring something different to this store. Therefore, each corner was carefully curated to represent the uniqueness of our deaf partners,” Alia told the media on yesterday (July 27).
In a gesture of appreciation and to strengthen cooperation with local media outlets, Starbucks distributed 200 food packages consisting of pastries at the soft launch.
Apart from offering career opportunities for the deaf community, the signing store will also serve as a gathering spot for others in the deaf community.
Starbucks’ commitment to disability inclusion began with its first Starbucks Signing Store, which opened in 2016 at Bangsar Village II in Kuala Lumpur.
Following its success, a second signing store was established in Penang in 2019.
