Shopping is an essential part of our lives. Yet, admittedly, it can be a bustling, noisy affair.

Cash register beeps and other shoppers' chatter could contribute to an overwhelming experience, especially for seniors who may be sensitive to light and sound.

Recognising this, Woolworths took a significant step to make shopping more inclusive and accessible for all Australians.

In a move that's sure to be music to the ears of many, Woolworths expanded its low-sensory Quiet Hour.

Quiet Hour, which initially ran once a week, has extended to five days a week.

This initiative aimed to reduce anxiety and sensory stress among shoppers and has been a welcome respite for customers with specific needs.

Quiet Hour will now be implemented from Monday to Friday instead of the usual once a week schedule. Image Credit: Supplied

Quiet Hour allowed many shoppers to go through Woolworths aisles in a more tranquil, controlled environment.

With this new update, Woolworths' Quiet Hour should now run every Monday to Friday, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am.

Woolworths stores should dial down the sensory inputs that could be particularly challenging for some individuals.

Woolworths' Quiet Hour was first developed with the help of disability service provider Life Without Barriers.

The initiative was first launched in 2019 and ran once a week.

Woolworths' Quiet Hour implements the following changes for a stress-free shopping experience:

• Dimming harsh overhead lighting for a calmer atmosphere
• Lowering the volume or turning off any in-store music and radio
• Silencing the beeps at the register
• Turning off oven buzzers and other loud kitchen appliances in-store
• Clearing store entryways to reduce congestion
• Removing roll cages from the shop floor to prevent clattering and;
• Stopping all PA announcements except during emergencies

Since then, the initiative has been embraced by over 900 stores across Australia, as it provided a less stressful shopping experience.

Quiet Hour also fostered greater independence for shoppers who benefit from a calmer environment.

Woolworths' Director of Stores, Jeanette Fenske, took pride in the positive feedback they received from customers.

'Our teams take great pride in ensuring the stores are quieter and less stressful for customers during this time,' Ms Fenske stated in a press release sent to the SDC.

'Quiet Hour is now an integral part of how we aim to assist independence in our stores, in addition to the opportunity provided by Direct to Boot and delivery options for many customers.'

The expansion of Quiet Hour to five days a week was put to the test during busy shopping periods such as Christmas.

Now, the service has been a permanent fixture, much to the delight of customers who rely on this service.

Life Without Barriers Chief Executive Claire Robbs praised Woolworths for its initiative and responsiveness to its shoppers' diverse needs.

'Life Without Barriers has been delighted with Woolworths' leadership to giving people more options to do their shopping in-store and increase their independence in an environment that is not stressful and overwhelming to them,' Ms Robbs shared.

The expansion of Quiet Hour should be a significant step in letting people shop stress-free in Woolworths stores.

This extended Quiet Hour may be a breath of fresh air for seniors as well.

Whether you're someone who appreciates a quieter shopping trip or you're caring for a loved one who finds busy environments challenging, Woolworths' initiative is a thoughtful approach to inclusivity.

Key Takeaways

• Woolworths extended the low-sensory Quiet Hour shopping experience to five days a week to support customers with specific needs.
• Various sensory stimuli such as lights, music, and register beeps should be reduced or turned off between 10:30 am and 11:30 am, Monday to Friday.
• The initiative was developed in consultation with Life Without Barriers and aimed to create a less stressful shopping environment for customers with specific needs.
• Quiet Hour's five-day expansion came after positive feedback and successful trials during busy shopping periods.

We would love to hear your thoughts about Woolworths' Quiet Hour. Has it made a difference in your shopping routine? Do you find the quieter environment more pleasant? Share your opinions about this initiative in the comments section below!

 

[darrellh]

That's a great idea and makes a great deal of difference to a lot of people. I don't believe my local does it, never seen a sign but that's okay for me.

 

[Clancieblue]

I hope it includes not having staff doing delivery shopping. I am a bit tired of being basically pushed out of the way with my elderly neighbor of 90.

 

[Marilynne]

Our local Woollies has had quiet hour for some time now and it is peaceful until some screaming child starts up.

 

[darrellh]

Our local Woollies has had quiet hour for some time now and it is peaceful until some screaming child starts up.

They should not allow young children in when it is quiet time. It defeats the purpose

 

[karadunc]

This should be implemented as the normal setting for the stores. I don't have a particular disability but the register beeps, advertising announcements, music etc annoy me and very off putting when shopping. Noises such as these make it difficult to think and plan for meals especially when one's budget is low and prices are forever increasing. One has to be very alert when buying regular items. We always buy Twinning's tea bags in the 100 boxes to find to our surprise and disgust that they have been reduced to 80 tea bags for the same price they were for 100 tea bags. One needs to be vigilant when shopping.