Sobeys introduces sensory-friendly shopping
Posted Feb 26, 2019 04:08:00 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
For one hour every other Sunday, Sobeys customers will notice something a little different when they go shopping.
The grocery store chain has partnered with Autism Nova Scotia to introduce a sensory-friendly hour from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at their Nova Scotia stores.
“We have our lighting in the store reduced about 50 per cent … we have all the sounds turned down on our PA systems, music, telephones, scanners at the register, anything we can possibly turn down, we turn down,” explained Lori Rhyno, director of operations for Sobeys.
Cart collection takes place before the hour starts so there's no loud clashing metal as the carts crash together, and a manager or Autism Nova Scotia representative is stationed at the front of the store to explain what's going on.
The first province-wide sensory-friendly hour was last Sunday and Rhyno said they got a lot of positive feedback.
“It was pretty powerful when a customer came into the store and said, 'This is the first time that my child has been able to come in and pick out a treat for themselves,'” said Rhyno. “They've never really been able to go into the grocery store because of the noise, the lighting and how confusing that can be for their child.”
Prince Edward Island stores implemented the idea just before Christmas and after their successful launch, it expanded to Nova Scotia.
She added store managers in New Brunswick have also shown interest.
The next sensory-friendly Sunday is March 10.
