GO’s Sensory-Friendly Hours: A breakthrough for Maltese Families

Imagine this: the bustling streets of Republic Street, Malta’s capital, filled with the hum of chatter and the clatter of shopping bags. Now, imagine it’s a little quieter, a little calmer. That’s the scene GO, Malta’s leading retail chain, is creating with its new sensory-friendly shopping hours.

What are Sensory-Friendly Hours?

Sensory-friendly hours are dedicated time slots where retailers adjust their environment to make shopping more comfortable for people with sensory sensitivities. This could mean dimming lights, turning down music, and reducing announcements. For GO, it’s about creating a space where everyone feels welcome and at ease.

GO’s Commitment to Inclusion

GO has always been a staple in Malta’s retail scene, but now it’s setting a new standard for inclusivity. The initiative, launched in partnership with the Malta Autism Society, is a testament to GO’s commitment to making its spaces accessible to all. It’s not just about selling products; it’s about creating experiences that cater to everyone in our diverse community.

“We want to ensure that everyone can enjoy shopping at GO,” says GO’s Marketing Manager, Maria Mifsud. “Sensory-friendly hours are just the start. We’re always looking for ways to make our stores more inclusive and accessible.”

How It Works

GO’s sensory-friendly hours are held on the first Saturday of every month, from 9 am to 10 am. During this time, stores will have reduced lighting, minimal music, and no in-store announcements. Staff will also be briefed on how to best assist customers with sensory sensitivities.

But GO isn’t stopping at its physical stores. It’s also making its online platform more accessible. “We’re working on improving the accessibility of our website and mobile app,” says Mifsud. “We want to ensure that everyone can shop with us, however they choose to do so.”

Community Response

The response from the Maltese community has been overwhelmingly positive. Parents of children with sensory sensitivities have praised GO for creating a space where their children can shop without feeling overwhelmed. “This means the world to us,” says one parent. “It’s about more than just shopping; it’s about inclusion and acceptance.”

But GO’s initiative is also resonating with the wider community. “It’s great to see a local retailer taking steps to be more inclusive,” says a regular GO customer. “It’s not just good for business; it’s good for our community.”

GO’s sensory-friendly hours are just the beginning. The retailer is already exploring other ways to make its stores more inclusive, from providing quiet spaces to offering sign language classes for staff. It’s a commitment to accessibility that’s not just good for business; it’s good for Malta.

“We want Malta to be a leader in accessibility,” says Mifsud. “And we’re proud to be playing our part.”

So, the next time you’re on Republic Street, remember to check out GO’s sensory-friendly hours. It’s not just shopping; it’s a step towards a more inclusive Malta.