Walmart's introduction of sensory-friendly hours in the early morning has received mixed reactions. Launched last year, these special hours made shopping easier for those sensitive to noise and crowds.
While some shoppers appreciate the change, others believe the store should extend these hours further.
Sensory-Friendly Shopping Hours at Walmart
In November 2023, Walmart, the world's largest retailer, began sensory-friendly shopping hours from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. daily across all its U.S. and Puerto Rico stores, as Forbes reported.
During these hours, the stores quieted down by displaying static images on televisions, turning off radios, and dimming lights.
These adjustments were designed to create a less stimulating environment, aiding shoppers with sensory processing disorders and their families. Conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and post-traumatic stress disorder often involve sensory-processing challenges.
Data indicates that 5% and 16% of school-aged children experience sensory processing difficulties without other conditions.
Historically, people with sensory sensitivities have faced challenges in typical retail settings, often overloaded with sensory inputs. This has led many to shop online, wear headphones in stores, or face the risk of health issues triggered by overstimulation.
On Walmart's website, the team expressed pride in contributing to a culture of inclusion, emphasizing that belonging varies for each individual. By listening and valuing different perspectives, they believe thoughtful change is possible.
During sensory-friendly hours, they hope customers and associates find the store environment easier on the eyes and ears.
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Walmart Sensory-Friendly Hours Draw Mixed Reactions
According to The U.S. Sun, shopper Marmot (@marmotrespecter) shared a photo of the sensory-hour sign at their local Walmart on X. Another user responded that they were now a loyal Walmart shopper if it was real.
Marmot noted that while their older building store couldn't dim the lights, the absence of music was a welcome change.
A Walmart cashier shared their positive experience working during these hours, describing the 8 to 10 a.m. shift as calming compared to the rest of the day when the music returns. They emphasized the significant difference in the store's atmosphere.
On the retailer's website, Nuala O'Connor, Walmart's SVP and chief counsel of Digital Citizenship, emphasized the importance of these changes, noting that with a child on the autism spectrum, sensory overload is a common experience in her household.
She believes Walmart's initiative is meaningful for many families dealing with neurodiversity.
Meanwhile, customer Andrea T., a mother of a child with autism, expressed gratitude for Walmart's sensitivity to sensory processing disorders. She noted that small changes in lighting and noise levels make a significant difference.
Some shoppers appreciated the quieter and less crowded environment, with one noting the store was "empty and quiet" right at 8 a.m. when it opened. However, not everyone was satisfied.
Some felt the changes were insufficient, pointing out that the lights remained as bright as usual while the music was off. Another shopper appreciated the absence of repetitive music but criticized the unchanged lighting.
Walmart has gathered insights from face-to-face conversations, emails, listening sessions, social media, and personal experiences in stores to understand the impact of sensory-friendly hours on customers and associates.
The company remains open to feedback on enhancing these measures. Walmart's mission is to help families save money and live better, and it aims to fulfill this promise for everyone who visits its stores.
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