In the specific case of Starbucks (at least in the US), the employees do have a bit of control over the music. They're able to curate a playlist of store "favor

In the specific case of Starbucks (at least in the US), the employees do have a bit of control over the music. They're able to curate a playlist of store "favorites" and are usually able to change the playlist from whatever's playing to the "favorites" playlist. The problem is not very many employees know about it, and it requires using a specific piece of hardware (an in-store iPod also used for inventory). They playlist will also switch roughly every 30 minutes or so, so they have to keep switching it back.