Sainsbury’s and Argos roll out scheme for customers with hidden disabilities
Sainsbury’s is to roll out the use of sunflower lanyards across its Sainsbury’s and Argos stores as it looks to enhance the shopping experience for customers with hidden disabilities.
Following a successful trial earlier this year, the initiative will offer shoppers with disabilities such as autism, dementia, visual or hearing impairment and anxiety the option to pick up a sunflower lanyard in-store and wear it to show staff that they may need some additional help when shopping.
The extra support offered could include assisting with finding shopping items or simply giving customers more time at the checkout. Available to collect for free, the lanyards can be kept by customers to use every time they visit a store.
Tim Fallowfield, board sponsor for disability carers and age at Sainsbury’s, said: “As we work towards our vision of being the UK’s most inclusive retailer, we’re proud to be offering sunflower lanyards in all stores. Not all disabilities are visible, and it’s clear that a subtle signal can make a big difference in providing confidence and reassurance. Together with our colleagues, we hope to give all our customers the best possible experience when shopping, while working with the wider industry to raise awareness.”
Sainsbury’s and Argos also hosted an autism hour on 9 October in support of the National Autistic Society. This involved stores creating a calmer environment in-store by turning down tannoys, self-checkout sounds and café music.
