Walmart Canada is the latest company to adjust its stores’ environments to suit individuals who suffer from hypersensitivity to sights, sounds, or smells.
Now, all 403 Walmart stores in Canada have joined their U.S. counterparts to offer sensory-friendly hours. Those times start from when the stores open until 10 a.m. every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Shoppers will experience a calmer environment with minimal sensory stimuli. Among other things, the stores will turn down their lighting, avoid playing background music, and limit announcements over their PA systems to emergencies.
In a release, the company said that about one-third of the population experiences sensory sensitivity or overload. More than 25 diagnoses or differences can contribute to it, according to Sensory Friendly Solutions. Noises, especially random sounds, can be loud and overbearing. Lights can often be too bright, and even displays with scents can be upsetting. The purpose with the new program is to “create a more inclusive shopping experience for all.”
The retailer follows the lead of its U.S. parent company. There, Walmart instituted sensory caring hours in November 2023.
