Starbucks' Inclusive Store in D.C

Starbucks is taking significant steps to enhance inclusivity in its physical spaces, led by MacKinnon, a nine-year veteran of the company. As head of the experience innovation team, MacKinnon emphasizes the importance of creating innovative solutions that align with the company's future strategy for its cafes. The team has dedicated years to exploring what the future of Starbucks stores should represent, focusing particularly on accessibility beyond the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). MacKinnon asserts that meeting legal standards is merely the starting point for Starbucks, which aims to embed inclusivity into its core operations. The company is committed to elevating its built environments, ensuring they are welcoming to a diverse range of customers. The inclusive spaces framework developed by MacKinnon and her team serves as a guideline for designing, constructing, and operating stores in a more accessible manner, expanding on ADA principles to incorporate both physical and digital solutions. The framework is rooted in human-centered design and was co-created with input from the disability community, reflecting a systematic approach to scalability. MacKinnon highlights the Union Market location as a prime example of this vision, where customers, including those with disabilities, report feeling valued and understood. The framework is publicly available, intended as a resource for other retailers aiming to foster similar inclusive environments. Ultimately, Starbucks aims to create spaces that facilitate connection and conversation, ensuring that all customers feel welcomed and comfortable in their stores.