Coles has announced it’ll dim the lights and turn down the radio for an hour each week, as part of a new initiative to make a more inclusive experience for shoppers with difficulties processing sensory stimulation.
68 stores across Australia will participate in the Quiet Hour from 10.30am to 11.30am each Tuesday, after a successful trial run in conjunction with Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect).
In addition, the volume will be turned down on beeping scanners, trolley collections will be paused, PA announcements will be restricted to emergencies, and trained staff will be on deck to help customers.
Those measures were designed to make the frequently hectic supermarket a little easier to navigate. That’s big news for shoppers and shoppers’ children on the autism spectrum, who may find the regular hubbub offputting.
In a statement, Aspect’s Linzi Coyle said the initiative also aims to establish a “‘no-judgement’ shopping space where people on the spectrum and their families can feel comfortable and welcome whilst grocery shopping.”
The announcement has been met with a positive response. Shoppers have taken to Facebook to voice their appreciation for the move, with others asking when the initiative will be rolled out at their local store.
Around 1 in every 100 Australians have an autism spectrum disorder, and a significant portion of that community might find shopping a lil’ easier because of this move.
Cop a squiz at the list of participating stores below:
- NSW
Banora Point
Bega
Brighton-Le-Sands
Caringbah
Castle Hill
Epping
Goulburn
Inverell
Kings Langley
Lisarow
Manly Vale
Medowie
Moss Vale
Old Bar
Pyrmont
Ulladulla
Wadalba
Warners Bay
Wattle Grove
Wellington - QLD
Cairns Central
Caloundra
Cleveland
Everton Park
Helensvale
Kippa Ring
Marsden
Maryborough
Mt Gravatt
Mudgeeraba
Newfarm
Rockhampton South
Toowoomba
Townsville Annandale - SA
Anzac Highway
Mount Barker
Park Holme
Port Pirie
Tea Tree Plaza - NT
Casuarina – Bradshaw St - VIC
Altona Meadows
Balwyn East
Belmont
Benalla
Brandon Park
Brighton
Brunswick West
Burnside
Cranbourne West
Eltham
Essendon Fields
Ferntree Gully
Fitzroy
Langwarrin
Newtown
Pakenham Lakeside
Prahran
Ringwood
Wendouree - WA
Erskine
Floreat
Hillarys
Kalgoorlie
Margaret River
Mundaring
South Lakes
Southern River
