Walmart Canada is launching sensory-friendly shopping hours at all its store locations, including Newmarket.
After soft-launching the program last month, the company has announced that sensory-friendly shopping will be available at all 403 Canadian stores from store opening until 10 a.m. every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, according to a news release.
Other companies such as Safeway have introduced similar programs, which aim to provide a less stimulating environment for people prone to experiencing sensory overload. This is done by eliminating or reducing sources of stimuli such as sounds and bright lights.
Walmart said its plan includes minimal sounds, with no music or radio ads, announcements/paging paused except for emergencies, and only static, low-sensory images on TV walls.
A spokesperson said Walmart is currently unable to dim its lights, but hopes to explore other options in the future.
Approximately one-third of the population is said to experience some degree of sensory sensitivity or overload, with more than two dozen different diagnoses contributing to it.
Christel Seeberger, founder and CEO of Sensory Friendly Solutions, said people might be surprised to know a family member, friend or co-worker has the condition.
"As a person with lived experience, I know it can stop people from living everyday life," she stated. "Sensory-friendly environments make life more accessible, inclusive, and invite more people to participate and belong."
Walmart consulted with Seeberger's company about the project prior to implementing it.
