Kmart introduces ‘quiet space’ a low sensory shopping experience where lights are dimmed and noises are turned down
- Kmart has introduced ‘quiet time’ at stores across Australia and New Zealand
- The retail giant will be offering a ‘lower-sensory’ environment on Wednesdays
- The environment is aimed to help people who are on the autistic spectrum
Retail giant Kmart has launched a new, quieter shopping time to make a visit to the popular store more comfortable for people on the autistic spectrum.
Store lighting will be dimmed, loud noises turned right down and announcements scrapped for two hours each Wednesday so shoppers can enjoy a ‘low sensory environment’.
On Wednesdays between 3.30pm and 5.30pm Kmart will be operating the ‘quiet space’ at select stores across Australia and New Zealand.
Kmart is now offering ‘low sensory shopping’ at select stores across Australia for two hours every Wednesday
This quieter shopping time aims to make the store ‘more accessible’ for people who are, or have loved ones on, the autism spectrum, a Kmart spokesperson said.
‘It is also for those who find it challenging to shop in a high-sensory environment,’ they said.
The change has only been rolled out in select stores and will be in effect this Wednesday, December 16.
There will be very noticeable changes in stores for the quiet time hours including dimmed lighting and more team members available to help shoppers.
The retailer hopes the new initiative will give customers ‘time and space to calm their sensory systems’ during a visit to the store
Trolley collections will be limited and there will be fewer metal cages in the store.
Registers, scanners and the Kmart radio will be turned down as well. There will also only be emergency PA announcements.
The retailer hopes the new initiative will give customers ‘time and space to calm their sensory systems’ during a visit to the store.
Maps are available on the website to help people with sensory-related sensitivities to plan a visit to the store.