New Zealand supermarket launches 'quiet hours' for customers with autism

Countdown will reduce lighting, radio and PA announcements and shelf stacking

One of New Zealand’s largest supermarket chains is introducing a “quiet hour” nationwide to make the weekly shop easier for those with autism or anxiety issues as well as older people who may prefer a more low-key experience.

The low-sensory hour will be introduced in Countdown stores on Wednesdays from 2.30pm to 3.30pm. Lighting will be dimmed, in-store radios turned off, checkout volumes lowered, trolley collection and shelf-stocking kept to a bare minimum, and no PA announcements broadcast except in emergencies, said general manage Kiri Hannifin.

Continue reading...

from The Guardian https://ift.tt/30TA2le
via
0 Comments