"Quiet Shopping" Takes Off in Stores Across Bremen and Lower Saxony
The quiet hour at the supermarket in Pewsum, Aurich district, is not just a novelty for shoppers who crave peace and quiet - it's a lifesaver for individuals with autism and attention deficit disorder (ADD). Every Friday evening, the store dispenses with announcements, shopping music, and the usual hustle and bustle, offering customers a much-needed respite from overstimulation.
The idea for this low-noise shop was the brainchild of the "Heel wat besünners" association, which advocates for people on the autism spectrum. According to Frank Fahr, the association's chairman, the offer is not just for autistic individuals but anyone in search of a peaceful shopping experience. He noted that the store manager was receptive to the idea, which has been a hit with customers.
While "silent shopping" offers are mainly confined to larger cities like Bremen and Hanover, the Lower Saxony-Bremen Trade Association has observed an increasing awareness among retailers for this type of low-stimulus shopping. According to Managing Director Mark Alexander Krack, several sectors are embracing this concept. Interestingly, medical supply stores have long felt the need for a quieter shopping environment due to their customers' sensitivities.
Reports of the campaign's success at the Pewsum Combi store proved positive, with minimal effort required. However, it remains the only store within the Bünting group to offer such an option. Chairman Fahr of the "Heel wat besünners" association hopes that more stores will join the initiative to give autistic individuals more shopping choices.
Did You Know?
Australian retail giants, Woolworths and Coles, have recognized the need for quiet shopping hours to cater to customers with sensory challenges and have implemented such initiatives in some of their stores.
The concept of quiet shopping is gaining traction in various parts of Lower Saxony, beyond Bremen and Hanover. The idea has the potential to spread further, offering a more inclusive shopping experience for all customers.
- Incorporating insights from the enrichment data, it's worth noting that several Australian retailers have already recognized the importance of offering quiet shopping hours, particularly for customers with autism or ADHD.
