From tomorrow, Coles will introduce its low-sensory Quiet Hour experience to an additional 27 supermarkets across Queensland to provide a more inclusive shopping environment for all customers.
Quiet Hour will now expand from 14 Coles store to 41 stores throughout the state every Tuesday between 10:30-11:30am.
Quiet Hour promotes reduced noise, lighting and distractions instore, making it easier for customers who find it challenging to shop in a heightened sensory environment.
Coles State General Manager Jerry Farrell said Coles was rolling out Quiet Hour to more stores across the state based on overwhelmingly positive customer feedback.
"We’ve listened to our customers and have worked hard to make our stores more welcoming and responsive to the needs of the local communities in which we operate," he said.
"We initially started with 14 Quiet Hour stores in Queensland, and we’re thrilled to be almost trebling this figure to make Quiet Hour more accessible for our customers and help make a difference to their shopping experience at Coles."
In August 2017, Coles partnered with Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) to trial Quiet Hour at two Victorian stores (Ringwood and Balwyn East) to support customers who are, or have family members, on the autism spectrum.
After a successful trial, Quiet Hour was initially rolled out to 70 supermarkets across the country. From tomorrow, 173 stores in Australia will now offer the low-sensory experience.
During Quiet Hour, customers will notice the following changes in participating Coles supermarkets:
Lighting will be reduced throughout the store
Coles Radio will be switched off
Register and scanner volumes will be reduced to the lowest level
No trolley collections and roll cages will be removed from the shop floor
No PA announcements *excluding in case of emergencies
Free fruit will be offered at customer service
Additional team members will be available to support customers during the hour.
