Aldi to turn down tills and Tannoys in quiet shopping trial

May 22, 2023

There will be a two-and-a-half-hour window when people who want to avoid noise can shop in peace

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Aldi is trialling sensory-friendly shopping hours in select stores from next week until the end of October, as almost 100 stores across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire will offer a quieter shopping experience every Tuesday between 6pm and 8.30pm.

If successful, the initiative will be rolled out to all of Aldi’s UK stores, with changes including stopping Tannoy announcements, quieter till scan sounds, and signposting the dedicated times to all customers. Vicky Metcalf, Diversity and Inclusion Director at Aldi UK, said: “Our new sensory-friendly shopping hours aim to help those who prefer a quieter shopping experience or struggle with noisy environments.

“We are committed to ensuring we are as accessible and inclusive as possible – both for shoppers and colleagues - and we look forward to receiving customer feedback on this trial to help inform our approach on a national level.”

The supermarket also recognises the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to help support customers and colleagues with non-visible disabilities. Colleagues at Aldi have also undergone training around hidden disabilities and the Sunflower symbol, so they can offer additional assistance to those who may require it.

Some people with conditions on the autism spectrum dislike loud noises and noisy environments. There are also medical conditions which make it difficult for people to be around loud or constant noises.

Hyperacusis is a condition characterized by an increased sensitivity to everyday sounds, especially loud noises. People with hyperacusis may find that sounds that are considered normal to others, such as a vacuum cleaner, a loud conversation, or even the sound of a door closing, can be uncomfortably loud or painful for them. It can cause distress and discomfort, leading some individuals to avoid noisy environments or wear ear protection to reduce exposure to loud sounds.

Hyperacusis can be caused by various factors, including damage to the auditory system (e.g., from loud noises or certain medical conditions), head injuries, certain medications, or neurological disorders.

Misophonia is a condition where specific sounds, known as "trigger sounds," evoke strong negative emotional reactions in individuals. Common trigger sounds include chewing, lip-smacking, pen clicking, throat clearing, or certain repetitive noises. People with misophonia may experience feelings of anger, anxiety, or even rage in response to these sounds, leading them to avoid situations where they might encounter the triggers.

The exact cause of misophonia is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve an emotional and neurological response to certain auditory stimuli. While misophonia can be challenging to manage, some coping strategies, such as using white noise to mask trigger sounds or practicing relaxation techniques, may help individuals reduce their emotional response to the triggers.

Sensitivity to loud noises or aversion to noisy environments can also be a natural trait or personal preference in some individuals, not necessarily indicative of a specific medical condition.