While shopping may just be a run of a mill chore for some, for others, it is an experience that would prefer not to be had.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Tailoring to customers who do not cope well or enjoy the heightened experience of shopping in a supermarket, Coles have partnered with Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) to offer ‘Quiet Hour’.
Coles Mudgee is one of 56 additional supermarkets across NSW to enact the low-sensory experience starting on Tuesday, 11 September.
The experience promotes reduced noise, lighting by 50 per cent, and overall activity in store.
This will see the removal of all roll cages off the shop floor to allow for more room to shop down aisles, each checkout having their volume turned down to the lowest volume, and all trolleys being brought in store ready for use.
The partnership between Coles and Aspect came in action from August 2017, and was done to support customers who are, or have family members on the autism spectrum.
One in 100 people are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), approximately 230,000 Australians.
For what was once considered a rarity, Coles will have ‘Quiet Hour’ from 10:30am to 11:30am every Tuesday to accommodate to people who have ASD.
Announcements will be made at 10:30am on Tuesday’s to give customers and employees a warning ‘Quiet Hour’ will commence, and also at 11:30am to say it has finished.
Currently there are 173 stores Australia wide who are offering ‘Quiet Hour’.