Walmart to begin daily ‘sensory-friendly hours’ in stores this week

Retail giant Walmart has announced plans to hold daily “sensory-friendly hours” for customers at all of its U.S. locations starting Friday. 

In a Tuesday news release, Walmart said from 8-10 a.m. local time, it will change its TV walls to a static image while also lowering or turning off lights where possible in an effort to make customers with sensory disabilities feel more comfortable. 

“During these hours, we hope our customers and associates will find the stores to be a little easier on the eyes and ears,” the company said in its news release. “These changes are thanks to those who shared their feedback on how their stores could help them feel like they belong.” 

Walmart said that it ran a pilot program of its new initiative Saturdays during the back-to-school season, adding the feedback it received was “overwhelmingly positive.”

“From face-to-face conversations, emails, listening sessions, social media and our personal experiences in the stores, we have seen what these changes mean for our customers and associates. And, we continue to welcome feedback on how we can enhance these sensory-friendly measures in our stores,” Walmart added. 

“Our mission is to help families save money so they can live better, and we’ll continue to take steps to fulfill that promise for everyone who comes through our doors.”

Businesses such as AMC Theatres and Chuck E. Cheese have also started sensory-friendly initiatives for their customers.