During quiet hour, the store will lower lights, turn down music and radio and turn off oven buzzers for an hour, every Tuesday between 10.30am and 11.30am.
Other changes during the hour include reducing volume on store phones and registers on the trading floor, clearing store entry ways, removing roll cages from the shop floor and stopping all public address announcements (excluding cases of emergencies).
Following a successful trial in select stores, quiet hour will now be rolled out nationally. There are already more than 264 stores nationwide offering this initiative.
Woolworths Seymour store manager Michelle Cook said customers have told Woolworths there’s a need in the community for a low-sensory shopping experience in the area.
“So, we’re pleased to expand quiet hour to Woolworths Seymour,” she said.
“Our team takes great pride in ensuring the store is quieter and less stressful for customers who want to shop during quiet hour and we look forward to welcoming them in store.”
The low sensory initiative was developed in consultation with disability service providers at Life Without Barriers.
Life Without Barriers chief executive Claire Robbs said quiet hour is a fantastic initiative by Woolworths that recognises the different needs of some customers.
“It gives people a way to do their shopping and increase their independence in an environment that is not stressful and overwhelming to them,” she said.
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