Currys have joined the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network, to give their 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 Currys store across the UK.
Following a highly successful trial across the Northwest of England and Wales, Currys are also launching ‘Quiet Hour’ in store every Monday to Friday until 11am. For the first hour of the day, they’re reducing noise in-store, keeping lights low and making sure there are no flashing screens to ensure a calmer place to shop, better supporting their neurodiverse customers.
Currys Quiet Hour is a dedicated time where they change the shopping experience in-store to be more accessible for certain customer groups who may be impacted by different sounds, lighting and sensations in store. This is most beneficial for neurodiverse customers who have conditions such as ADHD, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, Autism and many others. It’s estimated that 1 in 7 people (more than 15% of the UK) have neurodiverse differences, and they have decided that they needed to adapt to better suit their diverse customer base.
Examples of the in-store environment during Quiet Hour include:
- The majority of sounds will be reduced and consistent throughout the store
- As customers walk around there won’t be multiple sound sources, so whilst most of our tech will be switched on, sound will be off
- All TV’s and screens will be switched off
- If a customer requires a demo of sound, they will do this assisted and they will be extra courteous to other customers close by
- They will offer a sensory map by store - this will help customers identify areas that may be a triggering environment, it will also highlight quieter areas of the store where customers can go if they start to feel overwhelmed
- They will offer customers with non-visible disabilities a Sunflower lanyard if they wish, a discrete way to let others around them know that they may need a little extra help whilst shopping.
Paula Coughlan, Currys’ Chief People, Comms and Sustainability Officer said:
“I am really proud of this initiative, which shows our commitment to making Currys a place where everyone feels comfortable to shop. It’s a really big step for a retailer of our size and scale, and really demonstrates our commitment to diversity and inclusion. The feedback from the trial was overwhelmingly positive, and I am delighted that we are becoming a more inclusive retailer.”
Paul White, CEO, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, said:
“Currys is the biggest and first electrical retailer to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network. 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.”
Learn more about Currys
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