WASHINGTON — Walmart announced it will offer “sensory-friendly” shopping hours every day at stores nationwide.
The nation’s largest retailer tested sensory-friendly hours for the first time on Saturday mornings during this summer’s back-to-school season. During that test program, stores replaced TV walls with static images, turned off radios and lowered lighting wherever possible.
The company said feedback from testing was overwhelmingly positive.
Starting Friday, Nov. 10, all Walmart stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico will have sensory-friendly hours from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. local time every day. Our current plan is to continue offering these daily hours indefinitely.
Cedric Clark, Walmart’s executive vice president of store operations, said all customers will have a “more peaceful shopping experience” during the morning hours.
“We are always open to more feedback from our customers and employees, and are listening to what else we can do to create a less stimulating environment during these times.” Clark said.
Walmart joins a growing list of retailers, performance venues and attractions offering sensory-friendly accommodations for people with autism and other sensory-sensitive conditions.
Since 2011, the Smithsonian Institution has offered a “Morning at the Museum” event that offers early admission and sensory-friendly activities for all ages.
For many years, AMC Theaters has regularly offered sensory-friendly movie screenings with the lights turned on and the sound turned down to provide a welcoming and comfortable environment for moviegoers.
Chuck E. Cheese hosts monthly “Sensory Sensitive Sundays” at participating stores where lights are dimmed and arcade game sounds are reduced to provide dedicated time for children with autism and other special needs. We offer