Currys announce autism friendly evening
REPRO FREE Currys, in partnership with Cork-based charity My Canine Companion have announced that they have begun facilitating autism-friendly evenings across their 16 stores nationwide this week.The autism-friendly hours are from 4pm until the store closes every Thursday. During this time music and screen displays will be turned off to create a better shopping environment for those with additional needs. Pictured at the announcement are Niall Ruddy, CEO My Canine Companion and Nick Arnold, Senior Sales Manager at Currys Cork with Tiana the service dog. Pic Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision
Currys have announced autism-friendly evenings which will take place in stores nationwide.
The autism-friendly hours will be from 4pm until stores close every week, in all 16 stores across the country.
During these set hours all music and screen displays will be turned off to create a better shopping environment for those with autism and additional needs.
In partnership with My Canine Companion, the staff have all conducted training in Autism Awareness and Understanding in conjunction with the Willow Tree Autism Project. The training was provided to both in store staff and corporate colleagues.
This included guidance on measures that staff can implement in stores and online to create a better shopping experience.
Kenny Cosgrove, Head of Retail Ireland, said that since the beginning the partnership “the team at Currys have focused on improving the shopping experience for autistic people and their families.”
“We all know that public spaces with loud music and bright lights can be stressful for those with autism and so the purpose of these evenings is to support our customers by providing a calmer environment, as well as letting them know that the additional assistance is available if necessary”, he added.
John Laste of the Willow Tree Autism Project said: “We at the willow tree Autism Project were delighted to have the opportunity to work with Currys team throughout Ireland in our Autism Awareness and Understanding module.”
“We wish Currys every success with this wonderful initiative.”
Currys has also introduced Pennies in its stores so that customers can donate 50 cents to My Canine Companion when making a purchase.
