A SOUTHAMPTON shopping centre is to introduce a quiet hour for shoppers with sensory processing issues.

Westquay is launching a new Quiet Hour scheme, aimed at making the shopping experience that little bit more comfortable for customers of all ages and abilities.

The Quiet Hour will take place between the hours of 9 – 10am every Monday and began taking effect on July 1.

This will involve the centre and its retailers working together to create a quieter than normal shopping environment. The hour is aimed at visitors, young and old that find large public spaces, noise and crowds of people difficult to deal with.

The Quiet Hour will mean that music in stores will be turned down and lights dimmed to allow people with sensory issues to shop in a stress-free and more relaxing way.

Andy Collyer, General Manager at Westquay, commented, “At Westquay we pride ourselves in offering a brilliant shopping and leisure experience for everyone.

“We strive to offer an amazing space for friends and family to shop, connect and have fun and the introduction of our weekly Quiet Hour is just another step in our ongoing efforts to ensure a brilliant experience for all.”

The new initiative will see ambient noise, music and tannoy announcements either turned off or down to a minimum to ensure the centre is accessible to all shoppers in Southampton.

John Lewis & Partners Southampton has also introduced its autism-friendly shoe fitting service, available upon booking, at any time during opening hours.

Specially trained by the National Autistic Society, Partners in John Lewis & Partners Southampton will measure children’s feet in a comfortable, quiet environment, tailored to their needs.