Local Coles Supermarkets introduce 'Quiet Hour'

Wednesday, 12 September 2018 16:14

By Taylah Strano

Three local Coles stores will take part in weekly quiet hours, catered towards children on the Autism spectrum.

Three Coles Supermarkets in the Peel Region join a number of WA sites in adopting Quiet Hour, an initiative catered towards children on the Autism spectrum.

Weekly Quiet Hour sessions will be offered for one hour ever every Tuesday from 10:30am, providing customers with a low-sensory shopping experience by making changes in store, such as reducing noise and distractions.

Quiet Hour was produced in partnership with Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) to help make a difference to customers who find it challenging to shop in a heightened sensory environment.

Quiet Hour was rolled out across 70 supermarkets for a trial in November 2017, and following an overwhelming success an additional 103 stores nation-wide adopted the initiative.

Baldivis, Meadow Springs and Erskine Coles supermarkets rolled out Quiet Hour on Tuesday, with plan to continue it next week,

Coles said during Quiet Hour the following changes would be made:

Store lighting will be reduced
Coles Radio will be switched off
Register and scanner volumes will be reduced to the lowest level
No trolley collections and roll cages will be removed from the shop floor
No PA announcements except in the case of emergencies
Free fruit will be offered at customer service
Additional team members will be available to support customers

In a statement Cole said together with Aspect it aimed to create a 'no-judgement' shopping space where people on the spectrum and their families can feel comfortable and welcome while they complete their daily shop.

Western Australia stores offering Quiet Hour:

• Alexander Heights
• Baldivis
• Butler (Brighton Village)
• Caversham
• Clarkson (Ocean Keys)
• Erskine
• Floreat
• Fremantle
• Gosnells
• Hillarys
• Kardinya
• Maylands
• Meadow Springs
• Melville
• Mundaring
• North Armadale
• Ocean Keys
• Scarborough
• Southern River
• Southlands
• South Lakes
• Swan View

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