In partnership with Autism Australia (Aspect) Coles Supermarkets have introduced 'Quiet Hour', an hour of shopping with low sensorial stimulation. This allows people who struggle with highly stimulated environments to do their shopping with in a more pleasant setting.
What is a low-sensory shopping experience?
A low-sensory shopping experience is designed to cater to neurodiverse people who are sensitive to sensory stimuli such as bright lights, loud noises, and crowded spaces. Dimming the lights, reducing noise levels, and limiting distractions help to create a calm and comfortable environment. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals living with autism, sensory processing disorders, or other conditions that make them sensitive to sensory input, allowing them to shop with greater ease and comfort.
What happens during Quiet Hour?
During Quiet Hour store lighting is turned down by 50 percent, PA announcements are stopped (emergencies excluded), Coles Radio is turned off, registers and scanners are turned down to the lowest volume setting, trolley collection is stopped and extra staff are located around the store for added assistance; free fruit is also served.
For many people, something like a trip to the supermarket can be highly stressful, cause great anxiety, or be completely prohibitive. However, this collaboration between Autism Spectrum Australia and Coles is making sure that everyone in our community has an opportunity to shop.
Click here to see which Coles stores near you have quiet hour.