All Aldi stores will have autism-friendly shopping hours every Tuesday from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.
The supermarket is bringing the initiative to all 156 stores nationwide following a successful trail run. The hours are set to begin on Monday April 24.
An Aldi spokeswoman said: "At Aldi we understand that our customers often have diverse needs and requirements, and by implementing these measures to want to enhance the customer experience for those who may be sensitive to noise, bright lights or other sensory information.
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"Alongside the measures we will be introducing during the autism-friendly shopping hours, we will also be implementing the use of JAM cards throughout our stores. JAM cards increase accessibility for those with autism, learning difficulties or communication difficulties, by asking for additional patience from store employees.”
During these two hours every Tuesday the stores will have their lighting dimmed as well as the usual sounds from the till. Employees will be briefed beforehand in relation to keeping noise levels down.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Aldi at any time and during the autism friendly shopping hours, the use of JAM cards is encouraged. These cards stand for 'Just A Minute' and lets an autistic person tell others that they just need a moment and to be patient in a simple, discreet way.
Nicola Tipping, Business Development Manager at NOW Group, a social enterprise committed to supporting those with autism and learning difficulties, said: “It is all about increasing public understanding and making things, such as a shop, which is an everyday necessity, become accessible for an autistic person just as it is for everybody else.
"We are thrilled that ALDI are taking measures to address this by launching a nationwide roll out of autism-friendly hours, providing an opportunity for those with autism, a hidden disability, or a communication barrier, to shop without the crowds, noise and unpredictability.”
Speaking about the use of JAM cards, Nicola added: “We are proud to have been working with the staff at ALDI, training the team to become JAM Card friendly. Since launching the JAM Card initiative in 2012, the scheme has been a resounding success with more than 2,500 organisations across the country participating in the training programme."
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