Starbucks’ latest update is changing its dress code for store baristas to highlight their trademark green aprons.
Store employees will have to wear a solid-color black shirt as well as choosing a bottom half color that’s either black, blue denim, or khaki, the chain said on Monday. It will provide store employees with two free company-branded shirts to help them meet the requirements, according to the company.
The goal of the new dress code is “to focus on simplified color options that allow our iconic green apron to shine and create a sense of familiarity for our customers, no matter which store they visit across North America,” Starbucks said.
The new dress code takes effect on May 12, Starbucks said. Bloomberg earlier reported the change.
Starbucks store employees will be able to wear a variety of clothing styles to meet the new requirement, the company said. While the shirt they wear must be black, it can have short or long sleeves and be crew-necked or button-up, for instance. Even a black T-shirt and jeans could qualify, Starbucks said.
“By updating our dress code, we can deliver a more consistent coffeehouse experience that will also bring simpler and clearer guidance to our partners, which means they can focus on what matters most, crafting great beverages and fostering connections with customers,” Starbucks said.
The new dress code is the latest change Starbucks has made at its stores as it tries to boost sales.
The coffee chain is trying to make its stores comfortable places to hang out again. That has included requiring patrons to make a purchase — or be there with someone who has — to use the bathroom, asking baristas to write hand-written notes to customers on paper cups, and offering more free refills on some drinks, among other steps.
Starbucks has been making changes since Brian Niccol joined the company as CEO from Chipotle in September.
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