QUIET HOUR AT WOOLIES

WOOLWORTHS stores in Beerwah and Maleny now off er a low-sensory quiet hour shopping experience every Tuesday from 10.30-11.30am. The quiet hour is designed to reduce anxiety and sensory stress for customers with specifi c needs.

During the hour the stores will make a range of temporary changes including turning off bakery ovens and chicken cooker buzzers, reducing the volume on store phones, registers and in-store music, and stopping all PA announcements (excluding emergencies).

Store entries will be cleared, roll cages will be removed from the shop fl oor and lighting will be reduced.

Following a successful trial in selected stores, quiet hour is being rolled out nationally. More than 750 stores nationwide already off er the initiative.

Woolworths Group manager Tabitha Millar said customers had told the company there was a need in the community for a low-sensory shopping experience in the area.

“So, we’re pleased to expand quiet hour to Woolworths Beerwah and Maleny,” Ms Millar said.

The low sensory initiative was developed in consultation with disability service providers at Life Without Barriers (LWB).

LWB chief executive Claire Robbs said it gave people a way to do their shopping and increase their independence in an environment that was not stressful and overwhelming.

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