Woolworths Yass has started running a Quiet Hour for customers who may have anxiety or specific needs such as autism.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Every Tuesday, from 10.30 to 11.30am, the lights and sounds will be turned down to create a quieter and less stimulating environment.
That includes the store music, phones and registers. There will be no public address announcements, except for in emergencies.
The oven buzzers will be turned off and roll cages removed from the shop floor.
Quiet Hour was developed in consultation with disability service provider, Life Without Barriers.
It has been trialled with success in parts of NSW and the ACT.
Woolworths Yass have been trialling Quiet Hour since May.
Local customers told Woolworths Yass there was a need for a low sensory shopping experience in the area, store manager Greg Boyle said.
"Off the back of successful trials, we're delighted to expand Quiet Hour to Woolworths Yass for the benefit of even more customers," he said.
"Our team takes great pride in ensuring the store is quieter and less stressful for customers who want to shop during Quiet Hour and we look forward to welcoming them in store."
Quiet Hour recognises that people have different accessibility needs, Life Without Barriers chief executive Claire Robbs said.
"It gives people a way to do their shopping and increase their independence in an environment that is not stressful and overwhelming to them," she said.
Valmar Support Services in Yass said Quiet Hour was something their clients could use.