Cork retailers relaunch 'sensory friendly' hour in city centre shops

The Cork Business Association (CBA) has relaunched its 'sensory friendly' shopping initiative which aims to make Cork city centre more inclusive for all customers.

Primarily supporting people with autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences or anxiety, it also benefits many other shoppers who prefer a calmer and more relaxed retail experience.

The initiative provides a sensory friendly atmosphere during each participating store’s first hour of trade on Sunday mornings.

As part of the initiative, participating stores reduce sensory stimuli, including visual, audio or olfactory. The measures undertaken by stores include switching off in-store music, dimming lighting where possible, silencing or reducing the volume of cash register sounds, suspending scent sampling and pausing shelf stacking.

Staff in the participating stores also receive customer service training to better support customers with sensory sensitivities.

The Lord Mayor of Cork Fergal Dennehy has welcomed the renewal of this particular initiative.

“I was delighted to meet the business and charity representatives, families and volunteers who have reinvigorated this great initiative.

“As the city centre continues to evolve and welcome new retailers, I hope many more stores will sign up and do their best to make Cork an inclusive city, allowing access for all.” 

Cliona Barnes, director of the Cork Business Association added: “We have worked closely with two of the leading charities in this area, Shine and Rainbow Club, and are grateful for their input and direction in developing the training programme.

“Now is the right time to refresh the training, reintroduce the initiative, and invite more businesses across the city centre to get involved.” 

Among the retailers that have recommitted to the training programme include Marks & Spencer, Brown Thomas, Penneys and Vibes & Scribes.