Imagine this: you’re a parent of a child with sensory sensitivities, trying to navigate the bustling streets of Republic Street in Valletta. The noise, the crowds, the bright lights – it’s all a bit too much. Shopping, an everyday chore for many, can feel like an overwhelming challenge. But what if I told you, that’s all about to change?

GO, Malta’s leading retail chain, has just introduced sensory-friendly hours across all their outlets. This isn’t just a small tweak in their operations; it’s a significant step towards making shopping more accessible and enjoyable for everyone in our community.

Sensory-friendly hours are dedicated time slots where stores make adjustments to their environment to accommodate customers with sensory sensitivities. This could mean dimming the lights, turning down music, or even providing quiet spaces within the store.

For Malta, this is a big deal. According to the Malta Autism Society, around 1 in 100 people in Malta have autism spectrum disorder, and many more have other conditions that can make shopping in a busy store challenging.

GO’s initiative is part of their ongoing commitment to inclusivity. They’ve been working closely with local charities like the Malta Autism Society and the Malta Down Syndrome Society to understand the needs of their customers and create a shopping experience that caters to everyone.

“We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores,” says GO’s Retail Manager, Mario Vella. “We understand that not everyone enjoys the same shopping experience, and we’re committed to making sure no one feels left out.”

During these hours, GO stores will make the following adjustments:

• Dimmer lighting to reduce visual stimulation
• Lowered music and announcements
• More space around displays to allow for easier navigation
• Quiet rooms available for customers who need a break

Staff will also receive training to better assist customers with sensory sensitivities and their families.

“We want our stores to be a place where everyone can shop with ease and enjoyment,” adds Vella. “We’re excited about this initiative and hope it makes a real difference to our customers.”

Sensory-friendly hours will be held every Tuesday morning from 9 am to 10:30 am in all GO stores across Malta and Gozo. This includes outlets in Valletta, Sliema, Paola, and Victoria, among others.

So, if you’re a parent of a child with sensory sensitivities, or you know someone who is, mark your calendars. GO’s new sensory-friendly hours are here, and they’re set to make a real difference to many Maltese families.