Some 7-Eleven convenience stores in the United States have decided to use classical music and opera as a tactic to deter homeless people from camping in front of their store. The store’s owner, Jagat Patel, claimed that the Austin police did not react, despite numerous complaints received about the playing of classical music.
According to him, the homeless population has been a source of serious problems. “In particular, a lot of my female clients and younger clients are afraid to come here, because there are people constantly hanging around the parking lot asking for money,” he said.
Patel said he started streaming music about ten days ago and came up with the idea because other store owners around the country started doing the same. “Studies have shown that classical music is boring. Opera is boring, and I guess they’re right because it works,” he said. Ever since Patel and other businesses in the area started playing classical music and opera, they’ve noticed a difference. “Since they put this music on, there are fewer homeless people here,” Miranda told Fox 7.
The multinational chain opened the doors of its first store in Israel in the Dizengoff center in Tel Aviv. The chain plans to open eight more stores in Tel Aviv in the next six months, and around 30 across the country by 2024.
