Coles has expanded its low-sensory quiet hour experience to 56 supermarkets. The program now includes supermarkets at  The Junction, Glendale, Jewelstown, Belmont and Wallsend. 

Quiet Hour promotes reduced noise, lighting and distractions in store, making it easier for customers who find it challenging to shop in a heightened sensory environment.

It is held every Tuesday between 10.30 and 11.30am. 

Coles NSW general manager Reagan Lauder said the move was based on “overwhelmingly positive customer feedback”. 

“We’ve listened to our customers and have worked hard to make our stores more welcoming and responsive to the needs of the local communities in which we operate,” she said.

“We initially started with 18 quiet hour stores in New South Wales and we’re thrilled to be increasing this figure to almost fourfold to make quiet hour more accessible for our customers and help make a difference to their shopping experience at Coles.”

In August 2017, Coles partnered with Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) to trial quiet hour at two supermarkets. 

After a successful trial, quiet hour was initially rolled out to 70 supermarkets, including Wallsend.

During quiet hour lighting will be reduced throughout the store, Coles Radio will be switched off, register and scanner volumes will be reduced to the lowest level, no trolley collections and roll cages will be removed from the shop floor, no PA announcements, free fruit will be offered at customer service and additional team members will be available to support customers during the hour.