Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Central Co-op launches quiet hours in stores to mark Neurodiversity Week

The goal with is to provide alternative shopping conditions for those who want a calmer experience, including those with autism and anxiety

 Central Co-op is marking Neurodiversity Week (21-27 March) with a trial of quiet hours in four of its major stores.

The quiet hours will run every Monday between 10am and 11am, at the Boley Park, Lichfield; Burton Road, Littleover; Quorn, Loughborough; and Anson Road, Loughborough stores.

Central says it has carefully considered how different sensory needs affect the shopping experience, and will attempt to reduce noise and lighting distractions where possible. 

The goal with is to provide alternative shopping conditions for those who want a calmer, quieter experience, including those with autism and anxiety, but the quiet hours may also benefit the elderly, those struggling with mental health, or those simply wanting a calmer shopping environment. 

Naomi Smith, inclusion and wellbeing manager, said: “With Neurodiversity Week we wanted to look into how we can continue to make Central Co-op a welcoming place for all. If we can make some small changes in stores to cater for sensory sensitivities, we’re happy to do that if it means it helps some customers with the shopping experience, and we’re eager to hear feedback on the quiet hours while we continue to look at other ways to become more inclusive.”