Families living with autism now have an option to enjoy a night of shopping without dealing with over-stimulation.
Sobeys is now offering two hours every Wednesday night from 6pm until 8pm of sensory sensitivity shopping.
The lights are dimmed, music is turned off and even the beeping of the scanners are silenced to offer those who suffer from over stimulation an enjoyable shopping experience.
This week was the first for the Ontario locations to participate in the company initiative.
St. Catharines Sobeys manager Dave Camilleri tells CKTB it has already had a positive impact.
Greeting customers at the door he encountered a woman who had left her autistic son in the car as she had not heard of the shopping experience.
Upon explanation her eyes filled with tears, turning around to bring her son in with her to shop.
Camilleri adds that the subdued environment is also helpful for those with brain injury, PTSD and anxiety disorders.