# Serene Toy Store Environments Toys R Us Stores' 'Quiet Hour' is for Children Affected by Autism By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2016-11-11 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toys-r-us-store References: [eventmagazine](http://www.eventmagazine.co.uk/toys-r-us-stages-quiet-hour-uk-stores-children-affected-autism/brands/article/1414873) [Toys R Us](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toys-r-us-airport) stores in the UK recently set up a "quiet hour" on the weekends for children, parents and caregivers who are affected by autism. During quiet hour, Toys R Us dims the lights and reduces the number of fluorescent lights in the space, music and announcements are stopped and autism-friendly signage is used. The serene store environment was designed to better suit the needs of a child with autism, especially during the busy rush that occurs in the weeks leading up to Christmas. By creating a safe space for those wit autism, Toys R Us creates a stress-free environment for kids and their parents to browse toys in. Some other retail stores have also started implementing quiet hours for the benefits of shoppers with autism. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.2/10 - Popularity: 85% | Activity: 62% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/retail) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Autism-friendly Retail:** Creating serene and accommodating store environments for individuals with autism. - **Sensory-focused Experiences:** Developing immersive and calming experiences that cater to individuals with sensory sensitivities. - **Inclusive Marketing Strategies:** Adopting inclusive practices and targeting diverse customer segments, such as individuals with autism. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Retail:** Exploring opportunities to create inclusive and specialized store experiences for customers with specific needs. - **Entertainment:** Incorporating sensory-friendly elements into attractions, theaters, and other entertainment venues to cater to individuals with autism. - **Marketing & Advertising:** Developing strategies that promote inclusivity and reach diverse customer segments, including individuals with autism. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Neurodiverse-Inclusive Holiday Shopping](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quiet-shopping-hours.md) - [Quiet Shopping Hours](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quiet-shopping-hour.md) - [Low-Noise Grocery Shopping Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sensoryfriendly-shopping-hours.md) - [Sensory-Friendly Retail Hours](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sensory-friendly-shopping.md) - [Sensory Accessibility Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lush-cosmetics-partners.md) - [Sensory-Friendly Zoo Quiet Hours](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/columbus-zoo.md) - [In-Airport Toy Retailers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toys-r-us-airport.md) - [Sensory Stimulated Toy Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flippin-fast-diecast.md) - [ASMR-Inspired Soothing Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sensory-motion-bubblers.md)