For Neurodiversity Celebration Week, luxury department store Selfridges is introducing quiet shopping hours every Wednesday from 10 to 11 am across all locations. This dedicated time slot is intended to provide shoppers with a less overwhelming experience thanks to lowered music volumes, turned-off screens where possible and a calming atmosphere where staff will be asked to be mindful of noise.
As well as introducing quiet hours to support customers, the retailer is also setting up a Thinking Differently community within its own company to support and connect neurodivergent team members with one another. This initiative helps to make shopping a more inclusive and comfortable experience for all, especially those who may find themselves easily overstimulated.
Quiet Shopping Hours
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Trend Themes
1. Quiet Shopping Hours - Quiet shopping hours are an emerging trend in retail that prioritize a sensory-friendly shopping experience for neurodiverse individuals.
2. Neurodiversity Inclusion - Neurodiversity inclusion is becoming a trend in workplace culture that supports the needs of neurodivergent employees.
3. Customer Accessibility - Customer accessibility is a trend in the retail industry that aims for a more inclusive shopping experience for all customers, including those with disabilities.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - Retailers can implement quiet shopping hours and other sensory-friendly initiatives to accommodate neurodiverse customers and create a more inclusive shopping experience.
2. Workplace Culture - Businesses can foster a neurodiverse-inclusive workplace culture by setting up support systems for neurodivergent employees.
3. Disability Services - Companies that specialize in disability services can expand their offerings to include sensory-friendly consultations and training for businesses looking to accommodate neurodiverse customers and employees.