Supermarket shoppers who prefer to use Tesco’s “quiet hour” for vulnerable customers will be thrilled to learn that the scheme is being made permanent.
Tesco will dim the lights and lower the noise at the checkouts from 9am to 10am every Wednesday and Saturday going forwards, reports the Mirror.
The quieter hour was implemented to help those with hidden disabilities navigate stores as well as the elderly.
The supermarket said: “People can feel, see and experience the world differently, and for our customers with autism, the shopping experience may sometimes feel a bit overwhelming.
“A calmer environment can also be better for our elderly customers, ones shopping with young children, or our customers who may be struggling with mental health.”
People who struggle with sensory input or loud and busy places may feel more comfortable shopping during quiet hours.
Tesco has around 3,400 shops in the UK and is hoping to reduce the sound on its self-service and Scan As You Shop devices in future too.
Quiet hour is currently implemented in larger Tesco branches, but it’s unknown how many stores will now adopt the practice.
Claire Pickthall, Tesco group customer proposition director said: "We know that almost 20% of the population in the UK have a disability and we want to be able to help our customers as much as we can."
They continued: "I know that for some people the shopping trip can be stressful and not just for people with a disability but for others looking for a calmer place to shop.
"We want everyone to know that Tesco is a welcome place for everyone to come and shop or work with us."
The scheme is separate from the NHS hour Tesco implemented earlier in the pandemic which allowed healthcare workers to shop before and after working hours.
This was useful to allow key workers to avoid other shoppers and panic buyers.
Would you prefer shops to be quieter all the time? Tell us in the comments…
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