Supermarket giant confirms Quiet Hours are here to stay

British supermarket chain, Tesco has confirmed that their Quiet Hour scheme, introduced to make shopping more accessible for customers with sensory conditions and additional needs will become a permanent fixture.

According to research undertaken by Tesco, 20% of the population has a disability and that certain customers can feel overwhelmed when visiting their stores. The quiet hour scheme was initially launched as a way to introduce a calmer environment, recognising that supermarkets can be full of loud noises, bright lights and strong smells.

Quiet hours take place nationwide from Wednesday and Saturday from 9am – 10am. During this time, music is turned down, lights are lowered and noises are kept to a minimum.

Speaking to the Retail Bulletin about the decision, the Tesco Group Customer Proposition Director said: “We know that almost 20% of the population in the UK have a disability and we want to be able to help our customers as much as we can.

“I am really proud that at Tesco we are taking another step in being a more inclusive business by introducing Quiet Hour across all our stores. I know that for some people, the shopping trip can be stressful and not just for people with a disability, but for others looking for a calmer place to shop.

“We want everyone to know that Tesco is a welcome place for everyone to come and shop or work with us.”

Other supermarkets and businesses have also introduced Quiet Hours, which will be a relief to those shopping in the busier period leading up to Christmas. Shops participating include Asda and HSBC.