Quite possibly the reason. Though, I think retail, in general, has become quieter, outside of supermarkets (for some reason).

In some ways, it feels like as visual aesthetics went minimalist, so did the soundscape.

I'd personally like to hear an even quieter soundscape. It's so annoying to be sitting in a bar or hotel with sound blasting at you. It's like they expect people fear being alone with their thoughts or to be unable to make conversation when together, so they feel the need to fill the void.