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2d ago

Starbucks Korea Bans Bulky Office Equipment in Cafés

Stores now bar desktops, printers, power strips, large partitions to preserve shared seating

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Starbucks South Korea implemented a policy asking patrons to not bring bulky items like desktop computers and printers into stores.
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Machine translation: Guide to comfortable use of the store. At tables that accommodate multiple people, please yield your seat to other customers. Personal desktops, printers, power strips, partitions, etc. It cannot be used in stores. To ensure smooth use of the seat when you are away for a long time, please take care of your belongings. STARBUCKS.

Overview

  • Starbucks Korea posted store notices nationwide banning desktop computers, printers, multi-outlet power strips and large partitions.
  • Laptops and other small personal devices remain permitted and the policy does not impose formal time limits on patrons.
  • The move follows customer complaints about “cagongjok” patrons whose elaborate desktop and printer setups went viral online.
  • Industry research shows a $3 coffee typically covers under two hours of café seat time, raising profitability concerns for long-stay customers.
  • Starbucks Korea operates under a licensed model majority-owned by E-Mart, with local pressures from dense café competition and scarce office space shaping the policy.