May 20, 2021, Somerset Live: Toy stores across Somerset reveal daily 'quiet hour' for autistic people https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/whats-on/shopping/toy-stores-across-somerset-reveal-5436421
Toy stores across Somerset have introduced a new daily "quiet hour" for autistic people.
Five Entertainer shops across the county have extended the initiative, which previously took place on Saturdays and during school holidays, and it will now take place during the first hour of trading every day. …
The Entertainer has also been awarded an Autism Friendly Award by the National Autistic Society for its commitment to supporting its autistic customers and their families, including providing additional staff training to help store teams to support customers who may be overwhelmed by shopping in busy stores.
Gary Grant, founder and executive chairman at The Entertainer, said: "We are extremely proud of our Quiet Hour and the difference this has made to so many people across the country and we are delighted to now take our commitment to supporting our autistic customers and their families a step further.
"By extending our Quiet Hours to run every day, we hope this will offer greater flexibility to our autistic customers and enable them to shop with us with confidence on the days that work best for them.
"During our Quiet Hour, there will be no music playing, our lights will be dimmed wherever possible, and our stores will be made to feel calmer.
"To be awarded the Autism Friendly Award by the National Autistic Society in addition to this is another extremely proud moment for The Entertainer. …
Tom Purser, Head of Campaigns at the National Autistic Society, added: "We are very pleased to hear that the Entertainer is extending it’s quiet hours. They are really showing their commitment to autistic shoppers and leading the way for other retailers.
"Autistic people represent a huge part of our society – around 1 in 100 people in the UK. It’s important that autistic children, adults and their families have the opportunity to go to the shops, just like anyone else. But many find the crowds, noise and unpredictability of our high streets completely overwhelming and end up avoiding them altogether.
