Retailer Partners with National Autistic Society for Calmer In-Store Environment
- Home Bargains introduces ‘quiet hour’ for customers with autism
- Partnership with National Autistic Society
- Music switched off in stores on Saturdays between 9am and 10am
- Similar initiatives by Asda and Morrisons
- Supporting five million weekly shoppers
- 64% of autistic people avoid shops due to challenges
Home Bargains has introduced a ‘quiet hour’ in collaboration with the National Autistic Society to create a more peaceful shopping experience for customers with autism. During this hour, all music is turned off in stores every Saturday between 9am and 10am. This initiative follows similar moves by supermarket giants Asda and Morrisons. Home Bargains Operations Director, Joe Morris, stated that the ‘Quiet Hour’ aims to add a peaceful element to retail therapy as their busy stores can be overwhelming for people with autism. National Autistic Society Head of Campaigns, Tom Purser, mentioned that shops can be challenging due to bright lights, strong smells, and crowds causing feelings of being overwhelmed. Their research shows 64% of autistic individuals avoid shopping and 28% have been asked to leave public places for reasons related to their condition.
Factuality Level: 10
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about Home Bargains introducing a ‘quiet hour’ in partnership with the National Autistic Society and the benefits it aims to provide for customers with autism. It also includes quotes from relevant sources such as Home Bargains operations director and National Autistic Society head of campaigns, adding credibility to the report.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about Home Bargains introducing a quiet hour in partnership with the National Autistic Society to create a calmer shopping environment for customers with autism. It also mentions similar initiatives by other retailers like Asda and Morrisons. The article stays on topic and supports its claims with statistics from the National Autistic Society.
Financial Relevance: No
Financial Markets Impacted: The initiative may impact the retail industry as more companies adopt similar practices to attract customers with autism and their families.
Financial Rating Justification: This article primarily discusses a social initiative by Home Bargains in partnership with the National Autistic Society, which does not directly pertain to financial topics. However, it could potentially have an impact on the retail industry as other companies may follow suit, affecting their operations and customer base.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article.
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