Turning down shopping's sensory overload

Stores like Walmart, Sobeys testing hours with no music, dimmed lights

- TARA DESCHAMPS

It’s a Tuesday morning at a Walmart just north of Toronto and there’s a sense of calm hanging over the store.

No music is blaring, announcements can’t be heard, and in the sprawling entertainment section the TVs are displaying a static blue screen instead of their usual flashy programming.

The subdued atmosphere is all part of a sensory-friendly experience Walmart Canada recently launched every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at its 403 stores in a bid to make shopping trips easier for people who have disabilities, who are sensitive to busied environments, or who are just looking for a quieter retail experience.

“They can spend a bit more time and don’t feel as rushed,” explained Lina Nadar, Walmart Canada’s accessibility program manager, as she stood in the aisles of a store in Vaughan.

Such sensory-friendly experiences are not new, but they’ve been increasingly cropping up in recent years with toy chain Mastermind, grocer Sobeys and movie theatre chain Cineplex Inc. all dabbling in the practice.

Proponents of the model say it’s an easy and affordable way to make an often-overlooked portion of customers feel welcome. “It feels like life is slowly becoming a bit more accessible,” Patricia George-Zwicker said of the increase in companies offering sensory-friendly hours.