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Walmart and Sephora now offer quiet hours for shoppers

Walmart and Sephora will turn down the music, adjust in-store screen brightness, create a less scent-heavy environment, and reduce distractions during quiet hours. ©Image Credit: Unsplash / Zack Yeo

If you dread shopping in person because the noise and chaos is too much for you, you'll appreciate the moves Sephora and Walmart have made. Both retailers have announced "quiet hours" to make sure all shoppers feel welcome.

Sephora wraps up successful quiet hours pilot program

Sephora just wrapped up a quiet hours pilot program in 32 of its locations. It was so successful that the retailer is now rolling it out nationwide.

Quiet shopping hours aren't a new thing, but it seems like more and more retailers are getting on board with the concept. The designated time slots are designed for sensory-sensitive shoppers.

During quiet hours, Sephora will turn down the music, adjust the brightness on in-store screens, scents will be kept to a minimum, and there will be fewer "distractions" overall.

Sephora has yet to announce the specifics

Sephora announced that the program will roll out nationwide, but the details are missing. There's been no word on what time the quiet hours will be or when the rollout will happen.

For many customers, the quiet hours can't come soon enough.

“Quiet Hours at Sephora is one meaningful step in our ongoing commitment to building more welcoming environments for our employees, consumers, and communities — and we know there is still much more to learn and do,” said Deborah Yeh, Sephora's global chief marketing officer.

“We’re proud of this step forward—and equally committed to continuing to listen, learn, and grow alongside the communities we serve,” added Yeh.

A growing list of retailers offering quiet hours

Sephora isn't the only retailer that recognizes its neurodivergent customers need a different type of experience. Walmart was the first to make the move in 2023, with other retailers and even restaurants following.

Places like Target (select locations) and even Chuck E. Cheese (select dates) now offer quiet hours.

Building inclusivity for customers

You don't have to be neurodivergent to see the benefits of quiet hours. For many people, this could mean the difference between shopping in person and staying home.

Source: USA Today

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