Target Store Will Offer Quiet Shopping Hours For Autistic Customers

Image courtesy of Ann Fisher

What makes a good shopping experience for some folks is not always ideal for others. That’s why a Pennsylvania Target store is setting aside certain hours on Saturday so autistic customers can shop in peace and quiet.

Sensory stimulants can be frustrating and upsetting for some people on the autism spectrum, so between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m., a store in Lancaster, PA, will turn off the music, dim the usually bright lights, and keep the action to a minimum.

Target doesn’t have plans to roll these events out to all its stores, but a spokeswoman for Target tells Consumerist that if you’d like your local store to host a similar shopping day, talk to a store manager or team leader.

“At Target, we are committed to creating an environment where our team members and guests feel welcome, valued and respected,” she said in an emailed statement. “As part of that commitment, we empower our store leaders to make decisions that help meet the needs of the guests they serve.”

In this case, the store leader worked with his team and community partners “to create a welcoming shopping event for his guests on the autism spectrum and we applaud his efforts,” she added.

(h/t Philly.com)

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