Cork city centre businesses are relaunching and expanding a sensory-friendly shopping initiative, first introduced in 2019, to create a calmer retail experience for customers with sensory sensitivities.
Participating stores will provide a quieter environment during the first hour of trade on Sunday mornings, reducing sensory stimuli where possible.
Measures may include turning off music, dimming lights, lowering till sounds, pausing shelf-stacking and suspending scent sampling. Staff will also receive training to better support customers.
The initiative is supported by organisations including Shine Centre for Autism and Rainbow Club Cork Centre for Autism, and welcomed by Fergal Dennehy, who encouraged more retailers to take part to help make the city centre more inclusive.
Businesses that have recommitted include Marks & Spencer, Brown Thomas, Penneys, H&M, Skechers, Specsavers, Next and Bath & Body Works, along with several independent Cork stores.
While designed to support people with autism, ADHD, anxiety and sensory processing differences, the initiative also benefits shoppers who prefer a more relaxed shopping environment.
