Sobeys Grocery Chain Launched Sensory-Friendly Shopping Hours
Grace Mahas — December 3, 2019 — Social Good
What began as a small initiative from a class of grade three students in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia has since grown into a national project to ensure over 450 grocery stores across Canada include sensroy-friendly shopping hours. These inclusive changes will debut at Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Thrifty Foods, Foodland and FreshCo.
The sensory-friendly shopping hours innovative focused on removing sensory stimuli that can overwhelm an individual with sensory sensitivities and includes dimmed lights and reduced noise. The changes were achieved through close work with various local Autism networks and other community-based organizations across Canada to remove barriers for customers with sensory sensitivities including autism and post-concussion syndrome.
“The grocery store is a central hub of the community. We pride ourselves on creating an inclusive environment that reflects our diverse customer base and the communities where we work,” said Heather DeBlois, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Sobeys. “It’s important to us that everyone knows they are welcome in our stores. Sensory Friendly Shopping has truly been a grassroots movement driven by our store teams, demonstrating how important it is for retailers to consider how they accommodate a diverse customer base.”
Image Credit: Shutterstock
The sensory-friendly shopping hours innovative focused on removing sensory stimuli that can overwhelm an individual with sensory sensitivities and includes dimmed lights and reduced noise. The changes were achieved through close work with various local Autism networks and other community-based organizations across Canada to remove barriers for customers with sensory sensitivities including autism and post-concussion syndrome.
“The grocery store is a central hub of the community. We pride ourselves on creating an inclusive environment that reflects our diverse customer base and the communities where we work,” said Heather DeBlois, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Sobeys. “It’s important to us that everyone knows they are welcome in our stores. Sensory Friendly Shopping has truly been a grassroots movement driven by our store teams, demonstrating how important it is for retailers to consider how they accommodate a diverse customer base.”
Image Credit: Shutterstock
Trend Themes
1. Sensory-friendly Shopping - Opportunity for retailers to create inclusive shopping experiences by removing sensory stimuli that can overwhelm individuals with sensory sensitivities.
2. Community Collaboration - Importance of working with local networks and community-based organizations to remove barriers for customers with sensory sensitivities.
3. Grassroots Initiatives - Significance of store teams driving inclusive movements, highlighting the need for retailers to consider accommodating a diverse customer base.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - Opportunity for retailers to implement sensory-friendly shopping hours and create a more inclusive shopping environment.
2. Community Organizations - Potential for local Autism networks and community-based organizations to collaborate with retailers to remove barriers for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
3. Hospitality - Potential for hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues to adopt sensory-friendly practices and cater to individuals with sensory sensitivities.
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