Supermarket chain Sainsbury’s has launched a new aisle designed specifically for the elderly and disabled.
The lane, which is being trialled in a number of stores before potentially being rolled out to others, features a hearing loop – a sound system for people with hearing aids – and will also be manned by staff who have been trained to work with people with dementia.
The idea is to give customers extra time to pay and collect their bags – rather than be rushed through the checkout (I’m looking at you ALDI).
No rush hour here
We think it’s a great initiative.
These days, stores and shopping centres are required by law to have easy access, but that doesn’t always cater for all the physical and mental challenges that people can face in their daily lives.
There’s also the social aspect to consider. Grocery shopping is often one of the few ways some people have to connect with others in their community – and we know that fighting social isolation is key to living longer.
We’d love to see supermarkets take this up here. Coles has already introduced a Quiet Hour for shoppers with special needs such as autism which cuts down on noises and distractions in stores.
Why not have a “slow” lane too?
