Supermarkets across the boroughs are offering low lighting and no-sound shopping times to support a calmer shopping experience. These sessions can be especially helpful during the busy Christmas period.
Examples of adjustments include:
- Dimmed lighting
- No background music or announcements
- Reduced till and scanner sounds
Please check individual supermarket websites or contact your local branches for the most up-to-date information, as times may vary. For your convenience, we have included details for a few supermarkets below.
Morrisons operates quiet hours between 2pm to 3pm every Monday to Thursday, 9am and 10am on Saturdays, and for the first hour of opening on Sundays. The initiative is for people who may struggle with music and other loud noises, for example those who have been diagnosed as autistic.
Asda recognise that large, busy supermarkets can be noisy and overwhelming for some customers, so they help by operating a Quieter Hour, Monday to Thursday between 2–3pm in our large stores. They turn Asda Radio off, and their colleagues work quietly, acknowledging this hour as quiet time to support customers with additional needs or hidden disabilities.
Asda Happy Little Helpers initiative is a free shopping list board game available at the Customer Service Desk in their large stores. They have been working with the Makaton Charity – the initiative is designed to make shopping trips feel less intense and more enjoyable for people with learning and communication difficulties.
Tesco is a place where ‘Everyone’s Welcome’, but they understand that their stores – with the loud noises, bright lights or strong smells, and volume of people – can be stressful for some of their customers. They want to help deliver the easiest shopping trip for everyone in their stores – so every Wednesday and Saturday, from 9am-10am, they will dim the lights and lower the Checkouts noise in all of their larger stores, to make it a more enjoyable experience for customers.
Shopping aids
Take a look at the autism-friendly visual guide to shopping at Tesco and download their visual shopping list.
Sensory support in-store
Make shopping in large stores easier with our Sensory Support Boxes. Inside, you'll find ear defenders, communication cards, sunglasses, and fidget toys, all of which you can borrow. Just ask at the Customer Services or Tesco Mobile desk.