Quiet hour of shopping – which helps people on the autism spectrum – could become regular event

[AGXStarseed]

(Not written by me)

The Quiet Hour poster


AN HOUR of quiet shopping – helpful for people on the autism spectrum – will take place again this weekend.

The Quiet Hour of shopping was first seen in Darlington just before Christmas and it is hoped the event will become a regular one.

A group of Darlington retailers and other venues are once again hosting 60 minutes of relaxed shopping in the town on Sunday from 10.30-11.30am.

New retailers that have signed up to the scheme include Wilko, Boyes, Imperial Express and Guru Boutique.

They join Queen Street and Cornmill Shopping Centres, the Kings Head Hotel, Marks and Spencer, House of Fraser and The Dolphin Centre to take part alongside a number of independent retailers and services including Origins Home and Origins Coffee Bar and The Keys.

The Quiet Hour proved to be a hit with shoppers, including parents of youngsters with autism, when it was first launched before Christmas.

During the hour, shops and other venues will be turning off their music and children’s rides to help create a calmer and more relaxed atmosphere. These changes will help those who need quieter and calmer surroundings, including elderly shoppers or people who have other types of disabilities such as autism and dementia.

Councillor Sue Richmond, Darlington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “The Quiet Hour proved hugely popular with parents of young children, older people and a whole range of shoppers who prefer a quieter experience.

Businesses taking part in the scheme will display a poster.


Source: Quiet hour of shopping could become regular event

 

[Gritches]

Awesome possum! I always go shopping at like 6 AM because I tried it once shortly after 5:00 on a weekday and yeah...no.

 

[Progster]

It's a great idea, but it needs to become a regular, longer feature to have any significant value. Only one hour, once a month? It sounds to me a more like a public relations gesture.

 

[Butterfly88]

I agree with Progster that it would be much better if longer. and more often. Certain stores such as grocery stores need to be shopped at more than once a month. Also, would be nice if it was more than an hour, as if people want to go to multiple stores it could be hard to get everything in an hour. I suppose it's a start though, and hopefully other retailers will catch on.