FOLLOWING a successful trial period in Tasmania and Victoria, Woolworths Curlewis will now offer the low-sensory Quiet Hour to customers.
\nThe program is designed to reduce anxiety and sensory stress for customers with specific needs, including autism, by providing a quieter and less stimulating environment in store.
\nAutism Spectrum Australia estimates more than 300,000 (or 1 in 70) Australians are on the autism spectrum.
\nWoolworths Curlewis will lower lights, turn down music and radio, and turn off oven buzzers for an hour every Tuesday between 10.30am and 11.30am.
\nWoolworths Curlewis will join more than 260 stores nationally, including 77 in Tasmania and Victoria.
\nWoolworths Operations Manager Ross Margach said he\u2019d heard from customers that there was a need in the community for a low sensory shopping experience in the area.
\n\u201cOff the back of successful trials, we\u2019re delighted to expand Quiet Hour to Woolworths Curlewis for the benefit of even more customers,\u201d he said.
\n\u201cOur team takes great pride in ensuring the store is quieter and less stressful for customers who want to shop during Quiet Hour and we look forward to welcoming them in store.\u201d
\nThe low sensory initiative was developed in consultation with disability service providers at Life Without Barriers.
\nLife Without Barriers Chief Executive Claire Robbs said Quiet Hour was a fantastic accessibility initiative by Woolworths that recognised that people had different accessibility needs.
\n\u201cIt gives people a way to do their shopping and increase their independence in an environment that is not stressful and overwhelming to them.\u201d
\nDuring Quiet Hour, customers will also notice the following changes:
\nReducing volume on store phones and registers on the trading floor;
\nRoll cages will be removed from the shop floor; and
\nNo PA announcements (excluding in case of emergencies).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
FOLLOWING a successful trial period in Tasmania and Victoria, Woolworths Curlewis will now offer the low-sensory Quiet Hour to customers. The program is designed to reduce anxiety and sensory stress for customers with specific needs, including autism, by providing a quieter and less stimulating environment in store. Autism Spectrum Australia estimates more than 300,000 (or […]<\/p>\n