The Sobeys store in west Saint John. (Photo: Sobeys Saint John West/Facebook)
Sobeys is working to make it easier for people with sensory sensitivities to do their grocery shopping.
The company has rolled out sensory-friendly shopping hours at more of its stores across Canada.
Spokesperson Florence Chapman said the idea initially began as a grassroots initiative at one store in Summerside, P.E.I., in the fall of 2018.
Chapman said it quickly expanded to Nova Scotia, and eventually throughout Atlantic Canada.
“We’re now more than 450 stores across Canada in our major banners,” said Chapman.
Other stores under the banner include Foodland, Safeway, IGA, Thrifty Foods and FreshCo.
During sensory-friendly hours, Chapman said stores take several steps to remove stimuli which can overwhelm a person with sensory sensitivities.
“They would reduce lighting by about 50 per cent, silence or reduce all the sounds from PA systems, telephones, scanners, registers, and absolutely a refrain from collecting shopping carts,” she said.
Chapman said they also have staff on hand to explain the initiative to customers.
She said they have received lots of positive feedback from customers, including those who do not have sensory sensitivities.
“In general, individuals that have come in and shopped have said, ‘wow, I actually like this, it’s calm, it’s welcoming,'” said Chapman.
Chapman said stores have shared their experiences with one another and they will continue to bring more locations on board.
You can contact your local Sobeys store to find out when their sensory-friendly shopping hours are.
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