BONNYVILLE – The Sobey’s grocery store in Bonnyville is hoping to make shopping easier for those who may struggle with the bright lights and noise often associated with a grocery store.
The store is offering sensory-friendly shopping hours between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Saturdays. Features of these hours include light and noise reduction in the store, which contributes to a more peaceful atmosphere.
Sobey’s external communications advisor Manasvi Thakur said they introduced the sensory-friendly shopping hours to make grocery shopping easier for people with sensory sensitivities - and anyone who finds busy store environments overwhelming.
“During these hours we dim the lights, turn off music and announcements, and we pause noisy activities like cart collection. It’s a small adjustment for us, but we know it can be a meaningful difference for some,” said Thakur.
Even the noise from the cash register scanners are reduced during these hours, and Thakur said the feedback has been positive.
“Customers tell us it allows them or their loved ones to shop in comfort and independently, sometimes for the first time. By creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, we hope to strengthen connections with our communities and aim to make every day experiences like grocery shopping accessible and enjoyable for all,” said Thakur.
Sensory-friendly hours have been a practice in more than 450 Sobeys and banner locations across Canada.
