Walmart Introduces Sensory-Friendly Shopping Hours Nationwide

In an effort to create a more inclusive shopping environment, Walmart announces lower lights and reduced noise during special hours starting this July.

Walmart, the nation's largest retailer, is taking steps towards fostering an inclusive shopping experience for individuals with sensory disabilities. The retail giant announced it will modify the shopping environment during specific hours across most of its stores nationwide now through the beginning of the school year.

The initiative is geared towards creating a quieter and less stimulating shopping environment for customers who live with sensory disabilities, enhancing their shopping experience and making it more enjoyable.

"We are striving every day to create a culture where everyone feels they belong," said Julie Barber, executive vice president of general merchandise at Walmart. “This year, Walmart is taking steps toward creating a quieter shopping environment that’s more enjoyable for customers who live with sensory disabilities.”

During the sensory-friendly hours, Walmart stores will lower their overhead lights, turn off in-store radios, and replace moving images with static ones on televisions. The changes are intended to reduce sensory stimulation, thus providing a more comfortable shopping environment for those with sensory issues.

This innovative move is part of Walmart's strategy to make back-to-school shopping more accessible to a broader range of customers. The sensory-friendly hours will be held every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. until the end of August in regions where schools resume before Labor Day. In regions where school starts after Labor Day, sensory-friendly hours will be observed on Saturdays from July 22 through September 9.

Although most Walmart stores will participate in the initiative, the company recommends customers to contact their local store for more specific information.