UK retailer Morrisons is helping autistic and neurodivergent customers have a positive shopping experience with the introduction of Sensory Support Boxes.
Carefully developed in consultation with the National Autistic Society, the boxes include a range of toys like fidget balls, spinners and squish mats which help encourage calmness and focus.
The boxes will be available in all of Morrisons ~500 supermarkets by May. Customers wishing to access the items simply need to speak to a colleague at the customer service kiosk at the start of their shop.
“It’s a priority for us to ensure all Morrisons customers feel welcomed and understood,” said Joseph Clark-Bland, Community Manager, at Morrisons. “We’re proud to be leading the way in creating a more inclusive shopping environment for autistic people, their families and all neurodivergent people across the UK.”
More than one in 100 people are autistic and there are 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK. Routine activities such as the weekly shop can be difficult for neurodivergent people with loud music, bright lights and busy environments contributing to anxiety.
Peter Watt, Managing Director of National Programmes at the National Autistic Society says the boxes are a brilliant initiative to support autistic and neurodivergent customers while shopping.
“During World Autism Acceptance Month [April], it’s really important for all businesses and retail spaces to learn more about the changes they can make to be more inclusive and accessible for autistic and neurodivergent people,” he said.
“It’s fantastic to see Morrisons taking the time to understand and create a more welcoming space for autistic people and their families.”
Morrisons has introduced other initiatives to help neurodivergent customers. For example, in 2018 Quieter Hour was rolled out to reduce sensory experiences in store by turning off checkout beeps and dimming lights. These have proved successful with all customers and now run between 2pm – 3pm every week from Monday to Thursday.