Since launching Quiet Hour in 2019 to reduce customers’ anxiety and sensory stress, Woolworths has expanded the initiative from one day to five days a week.

During Quiet Hour – every weekday from 10.30am to 11.30am – most Woolies will dim lights and turn down or off electric devices and sound-making tools, including stores’ phones, music, radios, ovens, or register buzzers. Roll cages will be removed, store entryways cleared, and all PA announcements delayed except for emergencies.

“The expansion of Quiet Hour to five days a week has been trialled over busy shopping periods such as Christmas, and we are proud to now be able to meet customer needs with this five days a week,” said Jeanette Fenske, Woolworths’ stores’ director.

With consultation from disability service provider Life Without Barriers, Woolworths has offered a ‘low-whelming experience’ and higher shopping independence in 900 stores across Australia.

“The expansion of Quiet Hour at Woolworths from one to five weekdays is a fantastic initiative that recognises and is actively responding to different needs of many people in the community,” said Claire Robbs, Life Without Barriers CEO.