A new initiative will be rolled out this Saturday
Primark on Church Street(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Primark has announced the rollout of a sensory-friendly shopping hour in all stores across Great Britain, including branches in Merseyside, from tomorrow (Saturday May 16).
The initiative will see the first hour of trading every Saturday adapted to better support customers with sensory sensitivities, including neurodivergent customers. Stores will introduce a series of adjustments designed to create a calmer and more comfortable environment, including reduced noise levels, reduced till sounds, no in-store announcements, and specially trained colleagues on hand to provide assistance.
The sensory-friendly hour will be the first hour of trade in each Primark store. At the Liverpool ONE branch this will be 8am to 9am. In Wallasey and Birkenhead branches it will be 9am to 10am.
The rollout follows a successful pilot across 26 stores in the East Midlands and North East of England, where feedback from customers and colleagues helped shape the programme.
The sensory-friendly hour will be the first hour of trade(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
Kari Rodgers, UK Retail Director at Primark, said: “Everyone should feel comfortable and confident when shopping in our stores. We know that for some customers, the busy nature of retail environments can be overwhelming, so we’re proud to be introducing sensory-friendly shopping hours across all our stores in Great Britain.
“The positive response to our pilot programme showed the difference small changes can make, and this rollout is an important step in ensuring Primark stores are welcoming and accessible spaces for all.”
Primark says the move marks “another step in the retailer’s commitment to creating a more accessible shopping experience for customers.”
In recent years Primark has rolled out adaptive clothing ranges, designed to make dressing easier and more comfortable for people with disabilities or temporary disabilities.
The retailer recently launched its Spring/Summer collection, featuring the high street’s first adaptive swimwear range for women and men, available in selected stores and through Click & Collect in all stores across Great Britain.
Primark launched the UK high street’s first adaptive swimwear this year (Image: Primark)
Last year, the retailer unveiled its first seated mannequin, co-created with disability advocate Sophie Morgan.
AccessAble Detailed Access Guides are available across all UK and Republic of Ireland stores to help customers plan their visits.
All stores also offer accessible till points and fitting rooms.
Supermarkets including Morrisons, Asda and Tesco also run quieter and sensory-friendly hours at stores across the UK.