As the holiday season approaches, gift shopping can often be overwhelming for many families, particularly those with children on the autism spectrum. To help ease the experience, Toys R Us stores across the UK are implementing a special quiet hour designed specifically for these families.
Mike Johnson, a marketing executive at Toys R Us, stated, “By making simple modifications to our store environment, we can provide a more accommodating shopping experience for children with autism and their parents.” During this designated time, which begins on November 6, stores will lower lighting levels, minimize fluorescent lights, and turn off music and announcements. Staff will also place autism-friendly signage around the store and designate quiet zones for families to relax.
According to Sophia Brown, autism access coordinator for the National Autism Organization, “For many individuals with autism and their families, what should be an enjoyable outing can quickly become distressing.” The stimuli of bright lights and loud sounds can be particularly challenging, often leading to sensory overload. This thoughtful initiative from Toys R Us allows families to enjoy the wonder of a toy store without the associated stress and discomfort.
This quiet hour initiative is commendable, and we previously discussed a similar initiative by another UK retailer advocating for a calmer shopping environment for individuals with autism. Given that Toys R Us originated in the U.S., it’s our hope that similar quiet hours will be introduced across American locations as well.
Toys R Us has long been a cherished destination for children, and by offering this quiet hour, they aim to make their stores more accessible. “Such initiatives can significantly impact the lives of the 700,000 individuals with autism in the UK and their families,” shared Brown. “We hope that other major retailers will take inspiration from Toys R Us.”
With the holiday season fast approaching, it would indeed be wonderful to see stores like Target and Walmart join in by offering quiet shopping hours as well, ensuring that all families can enjoy their holiday shopping experience. For more information on family planning and related topics, you can check out our other blog posts like the one on intracervical insemination or explore resources on IVF for more guidance.
To sum up, Toys R Us is taking commendable steps to create a more inclusive shopping experience for families with children who have autism. This initiative not only enhances the shopping experience but also sets a precedent for other retailers to follow suit, ensuring that all children can enjoy the holiday season to the fullest.