Coles rolls out ‘Quiet Hour’ across Australia for people on the autism spectrum
Exciting news for families with kids on the autism spectrum! Coles and Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) are launching Quiet Hour for customers on the autism spectrum.
After a successful trial in two stores last August, Coles is implementing this weekly hour of reduced sensory shopping across the country.
Starting today, 68 stores across Australia will dim the lights by 50%, turn music and registers volume down to its lowest level, avoid PA announcements and stop noisy trolley collections every Tuesday at 10:30am.
One mum, whose son is on the spectrum, went to Coles during the trial period and has already been singing the initiative’s praises.
Plus, it’s not just for those on the spectrum, but anyone who might benefit from it.
"The modifications to the shopping experience haven’t just been about creating low physical and sensory stimulators,” says Linzi Coyle, Community Engagement and Operations at Aspect. “Together with Coles, we’re achieving a ‘no-judgement’ shopping space where people on the spectrum and their families can feel comfortable and welcome whilst grocery shopping.”
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Coles and Aspect have also been training team members to understand sensory overload better, and to response to customers’ needs appropriately.
Check out the full list of participating stores below:
NSW
- Banora Point
- Bega
- Brighton-Le-Sands
- Caringbah
- Castle Hill
- Epping
- Goulburn
- Inverell
- Kings Langley
- Lisarow
- Manly Vale
- Medowie
- Moss Vale
- Old Bar
- Pyrmont
- Ulladulla
- Wadalba
- Warners Bay
- Wattle Grove
- Wellington
QLD
- Cairns
- Central Caloundra
- Cleveland
- Everton Park
- Helensvale
- Kippa Ring
- Marsden
- Maryborough
- Mt Gravatt
- Mudgeeraba
- Newfarm
- Rockhampton South
- Toowoomba
- Townsville Annandale
SA
- Anzac Highway
- Mount Barker
- Park Holme
- Port Pirie
- Tea Tree Plaza
NT
- Casuarina - Bradshaw St
VIC
- Altona Meadows
- Balwyn East
- Belmont
- Benalla
- Brandon Park
- Brighton
- Brunswick West
- Burnside
- Cranbourne West
- Eltham
- Essendon Fields
- Ferntree Gully
- Fitzroy
- Langwarrin
- Newtown
- Pakenham Lakeside
- Prahran
- Ringwood
- Wendouree
WA
- Erskine
- Floreat
- Hillarys
- Kalgoorlie
- Margaret River
- Mundaring
- South Lakes
- Southern River
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