{"id":119088,"date":"2023-12-12T10:28:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-12T14:28:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/?p=119088"},"modified":"2023-12-13T10:28:53","modified_gmt":"2023-12-13T14:28:53","slug":"sensory-hours","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/sensory-hours\/","title":{"rendered":"Sensory Hours Create an Inclusive Shopping Experience"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What are sensory hours? What measures are implemented during sensory hours? What companies have adopted them?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Major chains like Walmart now offer special \u201csensory hours\u201d to create a low-stimulus shopping environment for customers with sensory sensitivities. Experts say sensory accommodations benefit both consumers who struggle with noisy and crowded stores and companies seeking to expand their customer base.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Continue reading to learn about sensory hours and the impact they have on customers and businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

More Companies Are Adopting Sensory Hours<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In early November, Walmart enacted daily \u201csensory hours<\/a>” at its US stores to create a more inclusive shopping experience for millions of Americans.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Background<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sensory hours are specific shopping times in which stores dial down potential sources of distraction, irritation, or sensory overload<\/a> that can distress or overwhelm people with sensory processing<\/a> disorders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research indicates that sensory processing issues<\/a> impact up to 16% of school-aged children<\/a>, and one in 20 people in the general population<\/a>. These issues are more commonly found among individuals with autism, ADHD, migraines, and brain injuries<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sensory accommodations first started with \u201csensory-friendly hours” at museums, theaters, and other public venues over the last decade. The Smithsonian Institute<\/a>, a pioneer of the practice, began offering special early visiting times for families of children with autism in 2011.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Measures<\/a> that retailers often implement during sensory hours include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n