Sensory-friendly shopping sessions — often called “quiet hours” — reduce environmental stimuli like lighting, music, and announcements so that autistic, neurodivergent, and sensory-sensitive shoppers can visit more comfortably. They don’t reduce customer numbers, but they do make a real difference to the overall experience.
We checked 13 major UK chains. Here’s what each one offers.
✅ Chains with Nationwide Quiet Hours
- Dimmed lighting
- No music or radio
- No tannoy announcements
- Checkout beeps lowered
Most stores participate. Does not guarantee fewer customers. Morrisons does not operate in Northern Ireland.
- Dimmed lights (large stores)
- No music or tannoy
- Display TVs turned off
- Checkout sounds lowered
- Escalators turned off
- No shelf-packing
Dimmed lights and escalator changes apply to large/Extra stores only. Express stores may not implement all changes.
- Asda Radio turned off
- Lighting dimmed
- No tannoy announcements
- Checkout beeps reduced
All large stores participate. Does not guarantee fewer customers.
- In-store music switched off
- PA system emergency-only
Believed to be all stores — verify with your local branch. Limited presence in Northern Ireland.
⚠️ Partial or Store-Specific
- Reduced lighting
- No music or announcements
- Lower till scan sounds
- Priority queueing
- Assistance dogs welcome
Confirmed across all 194 Ireland & Northern Ireland stores. Mainland GB (England, Scotland, Wales) coverage is patchy and not reliably documented — check with your local store.
- Music turned off
- Phones kept on silent
- Till bells stopped where possible
- Floor kept clear of trays
- Smells minimised
- Staff trained to be extra patient
Not a nationwide UK programme. All 18 Republic of Ireland stores confirmed. Select UK stores only — launched with Dimensions UK. Check your local M&S.
- Tannoy announcements stopped
- Till scan sounds quietened
- Staff trained for neurodivergent shoppers
Trialled at 98 stores in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire & Yorkshire (2023). No confirmed nationwide rollout since. Check your local Aldi.
❌ No Quiet Hours Currently
These chains don’t currently offer dedicated quiet hours or sensory-friendly shopping sessions. Most do support the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme.
🌻 The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme
All major UK supermarkets recognise the Sunflower lanyard. Wearing one signals to staff that you or your child may need extra patience, time, or assistance — without having to say a word.
Free lanyards are available at most customer service desks, or you can order online at hdsunflower.com. Lanyards, wristbands, and badge pins are all available.
💡 Tips for Sensory-Friendly Shopping
Even during quiet hours, supermarkets aren’t silent. Trolleys, other shoppers, and fridges still create noise. These tips can help:
If your child hasn’t been to a supermarket before (or it’s been a while), try a short “practice” visit during quiet hour. Buy just 2–3 items. A successful short trip builds confidence for longer ones.
💻 Online Alternatives
If in-store shopping is too overwhelming, online grocery delivery is a completely sensory-free alternative. All major chains offer it:
- Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s — home delivery and Click & Collect
- Ocado — online-only with scheduled delivery slots
- Iceland — free delivery on orders over £40
- Co-op, Waitrose, M&S — delivery via apps or Deliveroo/Uber Eats
You shop online from home, then drive to the store and have bags loaded into your car. No need to enter the shop at all. Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, and Sainsbury’s all offer this free on orders over £40.
Know about a quiet hour we’ve missed?
If your local supermarket runs quiet hours that aren’t listed here, we’d love to add them so other families can benefit.
Get in touchLast updated: April 2026 • Written with care by the SenHaven team