// Currys rolls out a quiet shopping hour across the business in a bid to create a more inclusive shopping experience.
// As customers walk around there won’t be multiple sound sources, so while most of its tech will be switched on, sound will be off
Currys has launched a ‘Quiet Hour’ in stores across the UK in a bid to create a more inclusive shopping experience for neurodiverse customers.
For the first hour of the day until 11am, the electrical retailer will reduce noise in-store, keeping lights low and making sure there are no flashing screens to ensure a calmer place to shop.
The rollout ou follows a “highly successful trial” across the Northwest of England and Wales.
Currys will also offer a sensory map of the store to help customers identify areas that may be a triggering environment.
It will also highlight quieter areas of the store where customers can go if they start to feel overwhelmed.
To help support its new initiative, the group has also joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network, to give shoppers a discreet way to signify that they have an invisible disability and may need some help and extra time.
The Sunflower lanyards will be available for customers to pick up in any Currys store across the UK.
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The retailer said: “At Currys, we exist to help everyone enjoy amazing technology. We know that for our diverse customers, especially our neurodiverse customers, while tech plays a vital role in their lives, going into a Currys store with all the flashing lights, loud noises and tech displays can be daunting.”
It describes its Quiet Hour as “a dedicated time where we change the shopping experience in-store to be more accessible for certain customer groups who may be impacted by different sounds, lighting and sensations in store”.
The move will be most beneficial for neurodiverse customers who have conditions such as ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia, autism and many others.
It is estimated that over 15% of the UK have neurodiverse differences.
“We decided that we needed to adapt to better suit our diverse customer base. We’re working with We are Purple and Hidden Disabilities Sunflower who specialise in hidden disabilities, and they will help us to better support these customers,” Currys said.
Currys’ chief people, comms and sustainability officer Paula Coughlan, said: “I am really proud of this initiative, which shows our commitment to making Currys a place where everyone feels comfortable to shop.
“It’s a really big step for a retailer of our size and scale, and really demonstrates our commitment to diversity and inclusion. The feedback from the trial was overwhelmingly positive, and I am delighted that we are becoming a more inclusive retailer.”
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower chief executive Paul White said, “Currys is the biggest and first electrical retailer to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network. Their work to incorporate the Sunflower into the Quiet Hours shopping experience is of huge benefit to not only neurodiverse customers but also to people with other disabilities.
“The relaxed atmosphere will allow customers to browse and decide which purchase is right for them without feeling overwhelmed. Currys staff are trained to recognise Sunflower wearers and offer help and more time.”
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