Ever found yourself in the bustling Republic Street in Valletta, the heart of Malta’s retail scene, only to be overwhelmed by the noise, lights, and crowds? You’re not alone. But what if I told you, that soon, you could enjoy a more relaxed shopping experience, with quieter stores and fewer people? That’s exactly what GO, Malta’s leading retail chain, is offering with their new sensory-friendly hours.

Sensory-friendly hours are dedicated time slots in retail outlets where the environment is adjusted to accommodate individuals with sensory sensitivities, autism, or other special needs. This could mean turning down music and lights, providing quiet spaces, or even offering special assistance from staff.

GO, with its 40 outlets spread across Malta and Gozo, is the first local retail chain to introduce such hours. This move aligns with their commitment to making shopping more accessible and inclusive for everyone in the community.

GO’s sensory-friendly hours will kick off with a pilot phase in three of their outlets – Valletta, Sliema, and Mosta – before rolling out across all stores. Every Tuesday morning, from 9 am to 11 am, these stores will transform into calmer, quieter spaces.

Here’s what you can expect during these hours:

• Reduced background music and announcements
• Dimmer lighting
• More space between displays
• Special assistance from trained staff
• Quiet spaces available for those who need a break

GO has also partnered with local autism charities to provide resources and training for staff, ensuring they’re equipped to provide the best possible support.

Malta is home to around 1,000 individuals on the autism spectrum, according to the National Autism Registry. While many can enjoy shopping like anyone else, others may find the typical retail environment overwhelming. Sensory-friendly hours offer a solution, making shopping more inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.

But this isn’t just about autism. Sensory-friendly hours can benefit anyone who struggles with busy, noisy environments – from elderly individuals to those with PTSD or other sensory processing disorders.

As GO’s CEO, Mark Cachia, puts it, “We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores. This is about creating a more inclusive shopping experience for our community.”