Cork Business Association Relaunches Sensory-Friendly Shopping Initiative
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 provides a sensory-friendly atmosphere during each participating store’s first hour of trade on Sunday mornings, creating a calm and welcoming shopping environment for people who may find modern retail settings overwhelming.
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 — all helping to create a quieter and less stressful shopping experience. Staff also receive customer service training to better support customers with sensory sensitivities.
Kieran McAuliffe, Shine Centre for Autism, said:
“We are very proud to support this initiative and it is encouraging to see so many businesses getting behind it. Greater understanding of sensory sensitivities — and the simple changes that can make shopping more comfortable — helps create a more inclusive city centre for everyone.”
The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Fergal Dennehy also welcomed the renewed initiative.
“I was delighted to meet the business and charity representatives, families and volunteers who have reinvigorated this great initiative. As the city centre continues to evolve and welcome new retailers, I hope many more stores will sign up and do their best to make Cork an inclusive city, allowing access for all.”
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.”
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, Kilkenny Design, Auntie Nellies, Bakestone and Eason’s, along with stores on Opera Lane such as H&M, Skechers , Specsavers, Next and Bath and Body Works .
Marks & Spencer pioneered the concept in its Cork city store several years ago and has seen the impact the quieter shopping environment can have for customers.
David Long, General Manager at Marks & Spencer Cork, said the calm hour has become an important part of the store’s relationship with the community.
“For many people, this quieter period is the only time they feel comfortable coming into shop. It has become very meaningful for those customers and their families, and it shows how small changes can make a big difference to people’s everyday lives.”
Families who benefit from the initiative say the quieter shopping environment can transform everyday experiences. Karen O’Mahony of Rainbow Club speaks from experience,
“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. 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.”
The Cork Business Association hopes the refreshed initiative will encourage more retailers to participate, helping ensure Cork city centre continues to develop as an inclusive, welcoming and accessible place for all.