Walmart to have permanent "sensory-friendly" hours everyday, 8 to 10 a.m.

Nov 7, 2023, Retail Touch Points: Walmart Brings Back Sensory-Friendly Hours to all U.S. Stores https://www.retailtouchpoints.com/features/news-briefs/walmart-brings-back-sensory-friendly-hours-to-all-u-s-stores

A retail store can be an overwhelming experience for those on the autism spectrum, so beginning Nov. 10 Walmart will create a sensory-friendly environment for two hours per day, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., in all its U.S. and Puerto Rico stores.

The program, which includes tuning display TVs to a static image, turning off the radio and lowering the lights where possible, debuted during the back-to-school season but will now continue indefinitely. Walmart said it received positive feedback from the initial program via face-to-face conversations, emails, listening sessions and social media.

“Several associates expressed the desire to continue this program all year,” said Tyler Morgan, a Walmart Store Manager in a statement. “We have associates with autism, ADHD, etc. in the store and one associate made the comment that this is the first time the company did something just for him. I know we could all use some calm during the stressful holiday season, so I hope this program can continue.”

“I have a child on the autism spectrum, so sensory overload is a lived experience in our house,” said Nuala O’Connor, SVP and Chief Counsel, Digital Citizenship at Walmart in a statement. “ASD (autism spectrum disorder) and other forms of neurodiversity are often an invisible disability. It is meaningful to so many families that Wal-Mart is implementing sensory-friendly hours.”