Wal-Mart’s New Hours Aimed At Shoppers With PTSD and ADHD

Retail giant Wal-Mart will be putting into place special shopping hours aimed at helping sensitive shoppers.

What do we mean by sensitive shoppers? Those who suffer from sensory disabilities. CBS2 reports that Wal-Mart tested the special shopping hours over the summer and will now make them permanent at stores in Iowa and across the nation starting this Friday, November 10th. The sensory-friendly shopping hours will be from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. every day at Wal-Mart stores across the U.S. and in Puerto Rico.

So what will Wal-Mart stores be doing differently during these sensory-friendly hours? CBS2 reports that stores will lower the lights, turn off the radio, and the TV walls will be changed to a static image, all in an effort to make the shopping environment a little less stressful for those who suffer from sensory disabilities. Wal-Mart officials say that the feedback was so positive that the new hours will be a permanent addition to all Wal-Mart stores.

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The changes might seem small and trivial to most of us. But if you have a child with autism who gets overwhelmed in public, or is someone suffering from PTSD, small changes like this can make all the difference. For anyone who wishes for a quieter shopping experience, try the new sensory-friendly hours at Wal-Mart starting on Friday. You may want to call your local store to confirm participation.