UK-based supermarket chain Aldi is piloting a new sensory-friendly shopping hours initiative at select stores in the country.
Nearly 100 stores across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire will participate in the pilot, which will run from next week until the end of October this year.
These stores will offer a quieter shopping experience every Tuesday between 6PM and 8.30PM.
Changes during those hours will include stopping public announcements and softening till scan sounds.
The supermarket chain plans to expand the pilot to all Aldi stores across the UK.
Aldi UK diversity and inclusion director Vicky Metcalf said: “Our new sensory-friendly shopping hours aim to help those who prefer a quieter shopping experience or struggle with noisy environments.
“We are committed to ensuring we are as accessible and inclusive as possible – both for shoppers and colleagues – and we look forward to receiving customer feedback on this trial to help inform our approach on a national level.”
The supermarket chain also recognises the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to help support customers and colleagues with non-visible disabilities.
Meanwhile, Aldi also provided its employees with training around hidden disabilities and the Sunflower symbol to provide additional assistance to those who may require it.
Recently, the retailer revealed plans to create more than 800 jobs for its new stores in the country before Christmas.
