Tesco Mobile expands sensory support boxes to 500 stores to support neurodiverse shoppers
Tesco Mobile has begun a roll out of its Sensory Support Box initiative to all of 509 of its Phone Shops across the UK.
Launching on 3 December, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the initiative received positive feedback from neurodiverse people when it was trialled earlier this year in 50 of the network operator’s phone shops.
The support box has been designed to address challenges faced by neurodiverse customers with autism, ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder when navigating busy retail environments with bright lights, loud noises and crowds.
Each box contains noise-cancelling ear defenders, sunglasses, fidget toys, communication cards for non-verbal or speech-challenged customers, and sunflower lanyards to signal hidden disabilities.
The initiative builds on Tesco’s existing Quiet Hour programme which is held in stores every Wednesday and Saturday from 9am to 10am.
Tom Davis, diversity, equity, and inclusion manager at Tesco Mobile, said: “At Tesco Mobile, we’re dedicated to making our Phone Shops as inclusive as possible.
“We know that shopping for a mobile phone can be overwhelming, with lots of information to process. By rolling out our Sensory Support Boxes nationwide, we’re giving neurodiverse customers practical tools to make the shopping experience easier and more enjoyable.”
In addition, Tesco Mobile has trained all its Phone Shop employees to support customers with hidden disabilities, including recognising sunflower lanyards and responding to diverse customer needs with empathy and understanding.
