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Walmart Canada launches sensory-friendly shopping hours

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Walmart Canada launches sensory-friendly shopping hours

Static, low-sensory image is used on TV walls during sensory-friendly hours in Walmart Canada stores. Credit: Wal-Mart Canada Corp/CNW Group.

Walmart Canada has initiated sensory-friendly shopping hours across its stores nationwide, aiming to foster a more inclusive environment.  

The move is part of the company’s commitment to accommodate customers who might experience sensory overload.  

From store opening until 10am on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, all 403 Walmart stores in Canada will adjust their settings to offer a calmer shopping atmosphere and minimise potential sensory stimuli.  

This includes turning off in-store music and radio advertisements, halting announcements except in emergencies and displaying only static, low-sensory images on TV walls.  

Walmart Canada store operations head Joe Schrauder said: “This is such an important step we’re taking to create a more inviting and positive shopping experience for customers who experience sensory overload and their families. We want our stores to be a place where all customers and associates feel they belong.” 

Sensory sensitivity is more widespread than commonly acknowledged, with Sensory Friendly Solutions reporting that approximately one-third of the population may experience sensory overload.  

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The condition can make ordinary visual and auditory stimuli unbearable, leading to discomfort or frustration during shopping. 

Sensory Friendly Solutions founder and CEO Christel Seeberger said: “Sensory sensitivity and sensory overload are more common than you think. It can be experienced by your family, your friend, your co-workers, your customer and maybe even you.  

“And as a person with lived experience, I know it can stop people from living everyday life. Sensory-friendly environments and experiences make everyday life more accessible, inclusive and invite more people to participate and belong. And that’s why change in a busy, noisy, bright world is needed.” 

In June 2024, Walmart introduced a hydrogen fuel cell-powered electric semi-truck to its fleet.


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