Many people find modern retail settings overwhelming.

Now Cork City retailers are renewing their commitment to inclusive shopping with the refresh and expansion of the city’s sensory-friendly shopping initiative, first introduced in 2019.

The initiative, spearheaded by Marks and Spencer’s and championed by Cork Business Association, provides a sensory-friendly atmosphere during each participating store’s first hour of trade on Sunday mornings, creating a calm and welcoming shopping environment.

While the initiative primarily supports people with autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences or anxiety, it also benefits many other shoppers who prefer a calmer and more relaxed retail experience.

Retailers that have recommitted to the training programme include Marks & Spencer, Brown Thomas, Penneys, Vibes & Scribes, Here’s Health, Pinocchio’s, Sheena’s Boutique, Auntie Nellies and Eason’s, along with stores on Opera Lane such as H&M, Skechers , Specsavers, Next and Bath and Body Works.

‘Planning ahead is essential’ 

“As a mother of two sons with autism and as a neurodivergent person myself, planning ahead is essential, particularly for parents managing their children’s needs.” said Karen O’Mahony of Rainbow Club.

“Visual input and anxiety about the unpredictability in shops can be extremely challenging to our community, so these little changes have a huge impact. Knowing there is a designated time when the environment is calmer takes away a significant layer of stress and makes a trip to the shops far less daunting.”

Cliona Barnes, Director, Cork Business Association, said the timing is right to reintroduce the initiative to a wider audience.

“We have worked closely with two of the leading charities in this area — Shine and Rainbow Club — and are grateful for their input and direction in developing the training programme. Now is the right time to refresh the training, reintroduce the initiative, and invite more businesses across the city centre to get involved.”

As far as possible, participating stores reduce sensory stimuli, whether visual, audio or olfactory. Not all stores will be able to change every aspect of their environment during the hour, but even one or two adjustments can help improve the overall atmosphere.

Measures may include switching off in-store music, dimming lighting where possible, silencing or reducing the volume of till sounds, suspending scent sampling and pausing shelf-stacking. Staff also receive customer service training to better support customers with sensory sensitivities.