A calming shopping experience for those who need it most!
- Morrisons introduces a weekly ‘quieter hour’ for autistic shoppers.
- The initiative will take place on Saturdays from 9 to 10 AM in 439 UK stores.
- During this hour, music will be turned off, lights dimmed, and checkout beeps reduced.
- Signs will inform other customers about the calm environment.
- The National Autistic Society supports the initiative and encourages more retailers to participate.
- Parents of autistic children express relief and support for the quieter shopping experience.
Morrisons, the popular supermarket chain, has taken a significant step to support autistic shoppers by introducing a weekly ‘quieter hour’. This initiative will be implemented in all 439 stores across the UK every Saturday from 9 to 10 AM. During this hour, the store will create a more serene shopping environment by turning off music, dimming lights, avoiding tannoy announcements, and reducing checkout beeps. To further promote this calm atmosphere, signs will be displayed to inform other customers about the purpose of this hour. The National Autistic Society has praised this initiative as a positive move and is encouraging other retailers to join in a nationwide ‘autism hour’ planned for October. Other retailers, such as The Entertainer and Tesco, have already adopted similar quiet hours, while Sainsbury’s participated in the National Autistic Society’s Autism Hour last year. Parents of autistic children have expressed their appreciation for this initiative. Charlotte King, whose son is undergoing autism diagnosis, described the quieter hour as ‘amazing’, noting that it alleviates the stress of shopping in noisy environments. However, some parents, like Tabitha Campbell Beattie, feel that one hour is not enough and advocate for a dedicated shopping time for disabled individuals to avoid the usual crowds and long queues. Overall, this initiative aims to create a more inclusive shopping experience for everyone.
Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about Morrisons introducing a quieter hour for autistic shoppers, mentions support from the National Autistic Society and other retailers participating in similar initiatives, and includes quotes from parents of autistic children. However, it could provide more context on the impact of the initiative and potential limitations.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about Morrisons introducing a quieter hour for autistic shoppers and includes reactions from parents of autistic children. It also mentions other retailers participating in similar initiatives. However, it could benefit from more analysis or discussion on the broader implications of such measures for people with disabilities and businesses.
Financial Relevance: No
Financial Markets Impacted: The initiative may impact retail companies that cater to autistic customers, such as supermarkets and toy shops.
Financial Rating Justification: While the article discusses a new initiative by Morrisons to support autistic shoppers, it does not directly pertain to financial topics. However, it could potentially impact financial markets and companies in the retail sector by influencing consumer behavior and business strategies.
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. The article discusses a positive initiative by Morrisons to support autistic shoppers during quieter hours, which has been positively received by some parents but criticized for not being enough by others.
