Aldi is conducting a trial for sensory-friendly shopping hours in nearly 100 UK stores, aiming to enhance accessibility for customers with non-visible disabilities.
- The trial, running from early August to late October, includes stores in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, and Yorkshire.
- Sensory-friendly features include quieter environments with reduced tannoy announcements, lower till scan sounds, and visible signposting of dedicated shopping times.
- Aldi staff have received training on hidden disabilities and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower symbol to support customers needing additional assistance.
- Aldi’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond this trial, reflecting broader efforts to ensure accessibility for both shoppers and employees.
Aldi has announced the initiation of a trial offering sensory-friendly shopping hours at almost 100 stores across select counties in the UK. This initiative focuses on providing a more relaxed shopping experience for individuals who may find a typical store environment overwhelming.
The trial, which will run from the beginning of August until the end of October, encompasses stores located in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, and Yorkshire. Customers can visit these stores for a quieter shopping experience every Tuesday from 6pm to 8.30pm.
Features of the sensory-friendly initiative include minimisation of tannoy announcements and quieter scan sounds at tills. The efforts aim to create a more comfortable shopping atmosphere, with clear signposting to ensure all customers are aware of the dedicated times.
Aldi is also enhancing support for customers with non-visible disabilities by recognising the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. Staff at participating stores have undergone training to understand hidden disabilities better and are equipped to offer additional support to those who need it.
Vicky Metcalf, the diversity and inclusion director at Aldi UK, affirmed the company’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity through such programmes. She expressed anticipation for customer feedback to potentially expand the initiative nationally.
In the context of increasing shoplifting rates during the cost-of-living crisis, some Aldi stores are simultaneously implementing checks on shopping bags at checkouts to prevent theft.
Aldi’s sensory-friendly shopping hour trial reflects its ongoing dedication to inclusivity, potentially setting a precedent for broader adoption.
