Have You Been To A Sensory-Friendly Store?
By MerryBelle
@merrybelle2021 (1389)
Philippines
November 12, 2023 10:33am CST
I didn't even know what that meant.
But apparently, in the US, Walmart wanted "to create a less stimulating environment for those with sensory disabilities."
This means they "changed the TV walls to a static image, turned off the radio and lowered the lights where possible" from 8AM to 10AM every day starting Nov. 10.
In the past, you only heard the shoppers and the store staff's voices.
Then when they started playing music in stores, it was just background music.
And there were no multiple TVs playing different shows at all. But now you even see small product screens along the aisle, standing screens with cooking videos, etc.
Although I don't have sensory disabilities, and sometimes I do like the music and sing or bop along, it would be nice if the music and images were toned down a bit.
https://corporate.walmart.com/news/2023/11/07/small-changes-big-impact-sensory-friendly-hours-return
https://corporate.walmart.com/news/2023/11/07/small-changes-big-impact-sensory-friendly-hours-return
4 people like this
5 responses
@merrybelle2021 (1389)
• Philippines
12 Nov
Yeah. If regular folks like me can get distracted/annoyed by them, what more those who are hypersensitive/hyperaware/hyperstimulated by them?
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (85660)
• United States
12 Nov
@merrybelle2021 Great point. Some people can’t seem to reconcile the fact that just because it makes no sense to them, it makes no sense at all. That’s just not the case, and I hope people become more aware.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (40586)
• United States
13 Nov
I think that's a great thing for Walmart to do. I don't have extreme sensory issues, but I have left stores when the music was too loud.
1 person likes this
@seun123 (33)
• Lagos, Nigeria
15 Nov
It's interesting how Walmart has adjusted its store environment for those with sensory disabilities by reducing visual and auditory stimuli during specific hours. However, the recent changes, like multiple TVs, product screens, and more dynamic visuals, might make the environment overwhelming for some. Finding a balance between a vibrant shopping experience and a more subdued one could benefit a wider range of customers.
1 person likes this
@TraveOnWorld (866)
• Georgia
12 Nov
OK, I can try to get this, but how do the sensory disabled (sorry if anybody out there suffers from this, I really did not know this existed until now, it still feels weird to say it), get to the store? Surely with all the traffic noise, flashing lights, sirens, hooters and whatnot on the way, a visit to the store by a sensory disabled person will result in all manner of demented hell before it even starts?
I'm not one to criticize big companies for trying to lure customers in any way they can, but won't free delivery for the sensory disabled be less stressful for them? Oh wait, silly me,free deliveries cost money and make losses, turning off the radio saves electricity and create profits.
@AmbiePam (85660)
• United States
12 Nov
I could be wrong, but for the most part these have been designed for parents with kids with these issues. My nephew is eight, and he usually goes through stores with his hands over his ears, the music and sounds overwhelming to him. Stores like these calm him tremendously, and make it easier for my sister to shop. By the time they are adults, most have coping skills honed to make life easier.
@merrybelle2021 (1389)
• Philippines
12 Nov
I attached the link to their press release at the bottom of my post. There have included testimonies/quotes from customers and employees with ASD, ADHD, etc.
1 person likes this
@TraveOnWorld (866)
• Georgia
12 Nov
@AmbiePam and @merrybelle2021
Yep, I can get that. I've not heard of an actual disability described in this way. I do have a 19 year old nephew who has absolute fear inducing panic attacks that can even turn violent. Because I've seen the horror on his face firsthand and the fact that he could not understand what was happening to him, I really have understanding when there is a real problem with a younger person. He has a few coping skills now and a cocktail of medicines to help, but it remains difficult to go anywhere with him. She has spent an absolute fortune on delivery costs in the last three years. I'll discuss this with her, maybe it could be a help for her in some way.
2 people like this
