Open Hand from Deafblind UK - Spring 2019 LoRes

Taking the stress
out of shopping
For many visually and
hearing-impaired people
a simple trip to the
supermarket can be a
stressful experience. A lack
of natural light, too many
crowds and loud background
noise may deter people from
making essential trips.
Thankfully, UK supermarkets are
now making changes to ensure
that the shopping experience
is more pleasant for everyone.
There are also more alternatives
available now for those who
prefer not to venture out.
Slow shopping
In 2016, supermarket chain
Sainsbury’s introduced “Slow
Shopping”. Between 1pm
and 3pm on Tuesdays, staff
members are on hand to
greet elderly and vulnerable
customers, while chairs are
placed at the end of aisles if
shoppers need a rest.
This slow shopping initiative has
since been introduced to other
stores across the UK, including
Southgate Shopping Centre,
Waitrose Bath, Asda Clacton-on-
Sea, and Tesco and Marks and
Spencer, Kingston Park.
In July 2018, supermarket chain
Morrisons also launched a
“Quieter Hour” between 9am and
10am on Saturday mornings.
During this time they have
pledged to dim the lights, turn
off all music and radios, avoid
in-store announcements, reduce
check-out noises, lessen trolley
movement and inform customers
that it is Quieter Hour.
Person holding a basket
full of vegetables
Making your shopping
experience less stressful
For an easier shopping
experience, consider:
• nMaking a list in advance
• nTaking a friend or relative
with you
• nShopping during less busy
or “quiet hours”
• nContact the customer service
desk in advance to find out
what support they can offer
Alternatives to
supermarket shopping
Online shopping has increased
considerably in recent years,
almost doubling between 2010
and 2016. Customers can
choose from ordering groceries
for delivery from Asda, Tesco,
Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and
Waitrose, or they can also
choose click-and-collect, both
of which allow them to choose a
convenient time.
For other shopping, such as
gifts, clothes or household
items, many online retailers
now have just a small delivery
charge or even free delivery
over a certain spend. Other
initiatives such as Amazon
Prime provide next day delivery
for a yearly or monthly charge,
seven days a week.
To find a “slow shop” store
near you, visit:
www.slowshopping.org.uk
Our digital support service
can help you get set up for
online shopping – contact us
using the details on the back
of this magazine.
A tablet and a laptop
Deafblind UK is
working with shopping
centres such as
Serpentine Green
in Peterborough to
help staff understand
the challenges of
deafblindness.
12 Open Hand
Open Hand 13