Hans-Ruedi Schnellmann, a SPAR Switzerland retailer, has implemented “silent hours” in 14 stores across the greater Zurich area, providing a low-stimulus shopping experience.
During these hours, the stores reduce light, noise and odours, and trained employees are on hand to assist customers.
The initiative, which began in three family-run SPAR stores in 2019, was inspired by Schnellmann’s and his brother Paul’s involvement with a local institution for children with autism.
The implementation of silent hours is supported by Austismus Schweiz, an association dedicated to the welfare of people living with autism.
The silent hours are held every Tuesday from 3pm to 5pm and on Thursdays from 6:30pm to 8pm.
During these hours, store lights are dimmed, music and machines are turned off, screens do not display advertisements, no announcements are made and ovens are not used.
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All 123 employees and 17 trainees across the 14 stores receive training to assist people with autism, ensuring a supportive shopping environment.
Staff wear blue, reflective safety vests to be easily identifiable for customers seeking assistance during the designated hours.
The SPAR team performs quiet tasks and provides additional staff at checkouts to reduce waiting times.
Customers are informed about the special hours through posters and the staff’s blue waistcoats.
While some customers appreciate the calm atmosphere after a busy day, others have expressed concerns about the low lighting.
Hans-Ruedi Schnellmann said: “It is important to us to be there for everyone, including people with disabilities. We want to ensure that people with autism experience less stress when grocery shopping. Through our low stimulus shopping times, we believe we can give something back to the community with minimal effort.”
