Walmart has permanently switched its morning hours to help shoppers with sensory issues.
This change will apply to stores nationwide and will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. local time every day. First introduced in July, the experience hours were previously only available on Saturdays.
During these special hours, in-store radios will be turned off. The lights are dimmed whenever possible, and the television, usually set to flashing commercials, is adjusted to a still image. During this period, the store will be open to all shoppers, but is specifically designed for customers with sensory issues such as autism, ADHD and PTSD.
Walmart decides to expand sensory-friendly hours after receiving ‘overwhelmingly positive feedback’
“Earlier this year, we took a step toward making our stores more accessible to people with sensory impairments by taking steps to create a non-stimulating environment for several hours every Saturday,” the company said in a blog post. ” he said. “Feedback from the pilot program was overwhelmingly positive. While these changes may have seemed small to some, they have transformed the shopping experience for others. Our biggest feedback? Keep it up!”
Sensitive time isn’t the only change shoppers are seeing at Walmart. The nation’s largest retail chain recently opened 117 newly renovated stores representing more than $500 million in capital investment. Once completed, 1,400 Walmart stores will undergo renovations.
Renovations include new paint and fixtures, updated flooring, restroom renovations, and LED lighting to brighten walkways. Elevated displays display ready-to-use products out of the box with digital touchpoints with QR codes that provide detailed information about the products.
The pharmacy and customer service area will be expanded and a private room will be available for nursing mothers.