Walmart has been busy creating an in-store culture that embraces every shopper, specifically those managing sensory disabilities.
The store changes are focused on creating a less stimulating environment for a few hours every Saturday, according to a company blog authored by Denise Malloy Deaderick, SVP and chief belonging officer, Cedric Clark, EVP, store operations, Walmart U.S. and Alvis Washington, VP, retail brand experience.
"During the back-to-school season, we changed the TV walls to a static image, turned off the radio and lowered the lights where possible. The feedback of the pilot program was overwhelmingly positive. These changes may have seemed small to some, but for others they transformed the shopping experience. Our biggest piece of feedback? Keep it going!" the author wrote.
Walmart is holding sensory-friendly hours from 8 a.m. to 10a.m not just Saturdays but every day at all Walmart U.S. and Puerto Rico stores starting Nov. 10 with no end date stipulated.
"During these hours, we hope our customers and associates will find the stores to be a little easier on the eyes and ears. These changes are thanks to those who shared their feedback on how their stores could help them feel like they belong," stated the blog.