The Cork Business Association is delighted to that many of Cork City's retailers will now provide one hour of Sensory Shopping every week. This will be the first hour of trade on Sundays.
A Sensory Shopping Friendly Environment means that the stores involved will not play music, the lights will be safely dimmed, no tills are ringing and shelves will not be packed during this hour.
Participating Shops
Debenhams, Brown Thomas, Merchants Quay Shopping Centre, Penneys, Vibes & Scribes, Fitzgeralds Menswear, Casey’s Furniture, Diana O'Mahony Jewellers. Participating stores on Opera Lane are H&M, Topshop, Skechers and SpecSavers. Marks & Spencer, who has led the way in providing a Sensory Shopping Friendly Hour will now be joined by these and we hope many more businesses in the coming weeks.
Commenting Lawrence Owens Chief Executive of the Cork Business Association said:
“We are delighted to support this practical and worthwhile initiative. The response from businesses has been really positive and our objective is to grow and expand the provision of Sensory Shopping Friendly throughout the city."Commenting Ray O'Callaghan, General Manager of Marks & Spencer’s said:
“This has become a very important hour for some of our customers. Some of them never shop anywhere else but here, during the Sensory Shopping Friendly Hour. This is the right thing to do.”
Not only for people with autism
Many people are sensory sensitive such as those with Autism, Alzheimer’s, Down Syndrome. But a Sensory Friendly Shopping Environment can also be very pleasant for the elderly or those who suffer from mental health issues and many more.
The Cork Business Association believes this is a great step towards making Cork City more family-friendly and more inclusive. It extends the Customer Service Charter. Because now not only do we strive to provide the best customer service, but also a more pleasant shopping experience for all people who visit and shop in Cork.
