Walmart is turning off its big lights, among other changes, to make shopping in its stores more “sensory.”
The world’s largest retailer announced the move Tuesday, saying its stores nationwide would dim the lights where possible, turn off the radio and turn their television walls into static images during sensory-friendly hours each day.
From 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. local time daily, all stores in the United States and Puerto Rico will cater to people with sensory processing issues, such as autism, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. The change is expected to begin Friday, according to a press release issued Tuesday.
“As the mother of a child with autism, thank you so much for recognizing the needs and being sensitive to them,” Walmart customer Andrea T. said in the release. “Little things like lighting, noise, etc. make a difference.”
Walmart executives wrote in the release that stores are making shopping “more inclusive for people with sensory disabilities by taking steps to create a less stimulating environment.”
There is “no anticipated end date,” Walmart wrote in the statement.
“During these hours, we hope our customers and associates find the stores a little easier on the eyes and ears,” Walmart continued.
Walmart piloted sensory hours over the summer for back-to-school shopping, but only on Saturdays. Feedback on the pilot program has been “extremely positive,” according to the release.
“Several associates have expressed a desire to continue this program year-round,” Tyler Morgan, Walmart store manager, said in the release. “We have associates with autism, ADHD, etc. in the store and an associate said it was the first time the company had done something just for him. I know we could all benefit from a little peace and quiet during this stressful holiday season, so I hope this program can continue.