Cork City Retailers Relaunch Sensory-Friendly Shopping Initiative

Cork city's sensory-friendly shopping initiative has been refreshed and expanded, with a growing number of retailers renewing their commitment to creating a calmer, more inclusive experience for shoppers with sensory sensitivities.

First introduced in 2019, the initiative, supported by the Cork Business Association (CBA), provides a sensory-friendly atmosphere during the first hour of trade on Sunday mornings across participating stores.

During that hour, retailers reduce as many sensory stimuli as possible, including switching off in-store music, dimming lighting, silencing till sounds, suspending scent sampling, and pausing shelf-stacking. Staff also receive dedicated customer service training to better support shoppers with sensory sensitivities.

While the initiative primarily supports people with autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, or anxiety, organisers say it benefits any shopper who prefers a quieter, more relaxed retail environment.

Retailers that have recommitted to the programme include Marks & Spencer, Brown Thomas, Penneys, Vibes & Scribes, Here's Health, Pinocchio's, Sheena's Boutique, Auntie Nellies, and Eason's, along with Opera Lane stores including H&M, Skechers, Specsavers, Next, and Bath and Body Works.

Marks & Spencer, which pioneered the concept in its Cork city store, says the quieter hour has become a meaningful part of its relationship with the local community.

David Long, General Manager, Marks & Spencer Cork:

"For many people, this quieter period is the only time they feel comfortable coming into shop. It has become very meaningful for those customers and their families, and it shows how small changes can make a big difference to people's everyday lives."

The human impact of the initiative was underlined by Karen O'Mahony of Rainbow Club:

"As a mother of two sons with autism and as a neurodivergent person myself. Planning ahead is essential, particularly for parents managing their children's needs. Visual input and anxiety about the unpredictability in shops can be extremely challenging to our community, so these little changes have a huge impact. Knowing there is a designated time when the environment is calmer takes away a significant layer of stress and makes a trip to the shops far less daunting."

Cliona Barnes, Director, Cork Business Association, said the timing is right to bring the initiative to a wider audience:

"We have worked closely with two of the leading charities in this area, Shine and Rainbow Club, and are grateful for their input and direction in developing the training programme. Now is the right time to refresh the training, reintroduce the initiative, and invite more businesses across the city centre to get involved."

The initiative has the backing of both the disability sector and local government. Kieran McAuliffe of the Shine Centre for Autism said:

"We are very proud to support this initiative and it is encouraging to see so many businesses getting behind it. Greater understanding of sensory sensitivities, and the simple changes that can make shopping more comfortable, helps create a more inclusive city centre for everyone."

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Fergal Dennehy, also welcomed the renewed effort: "I was delighted to meet the business and charity representatives, families and volunteers who have reinvigorated this great initiative. As the city centre continues to evolve and welcome new retailers, I hope many more stores will sign up and do their best to make Cork an inclusive city, allowing access for all."

The Cork Business Association is encouraging additional city centre retailers to join the programme.