This month Currys Ireland announced the launch of ‘Quiet Hour’ which will take place in all stores every Monday to Friday until 11am. For the first hour of the day, the electrical retailer will be reducing noise in-store, keeping lights low and making sure there are no flashing screens to ensure a calmer place to shop, better supporting neurodiverse customers.
To support the launch, Currys Ireland have joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network, giving customers a discreet way to signify that they have an invisible disability and may need some help and extra time. The Sunflower lanyards will be available for customers to pick up in any of the 16 Currys stores across Ireland.
This new initiative replaces the weekly autism friendly evenings, launched in autumn 2022. ‘Quiet Hour’ builds on its predecessor’s success by increasing the frequency to Monday through to Friday and targeting all those with an invisible disability.
The electrical giant understands that for their neurodiverse customers, while tech plays a vital role in their lives, going into a Currys store with all the flashing lights, loud noises and tech displays can be daunting.
Kenny Cosgrove, Head Of Retail at Currys Ireland said:
“I am really proud of this initiative, which shows our commitment to making Currys a place where everyone feels comfortable to shop. Since beginning our partnership with service dog charity My Canine Companion in 2021, we as a business have put diversity and inclusion to the forefront of our agenda. Feedback from the weekly autism awareness evenings was overwhelmingly positive so we’ve extended this experience to weekdays and to focus on all our neurodiverse customers. We’re excited to have joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network to help facilitate this initiative.”
Scott Casson-Rennie, Communications Manager, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Ireland, said:
“We are delighted to have Currys join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Ireland. Currys is the first electrical retailer in Ireland to join the community and their work to incorporate the Sunflower into the Quiet Hours shopping experience is of huge benefit to not only neurodiverse customers, but also to people with other disabilities. The relaxed atmosphere will allow customers to browse and decide which purchase is right for them without feeling overwhelmed.
Currys staff are trained to recognise Sunflower wearers and offer help and more time.”