A first for a Western Australian shopping centre, Hawaiian’s Melville has commenced a ‘Quiet Hour’ initiative, aimed at providing a low-sensory shopping experience for those who need it.
Occurring every Tuesday from 10.30am – 11.30am, Hawaiian’s Melville will provide an age and autism-friendly shopping experience aligning with the ‘Quiet Hour’ initiative occurring within the centre’s Coles tenancy. Hawaiian’s Melville will also work with other retailers within the centre to encourage tenant participation.
The following will be observed throughout the centre during ‘Quiet Hour’:
- Turning off lights where suitable
- Signage to indicate Quiet Hour to shopping patrons
- Turning off in-centre music
- The offer of sensory headphone kits for complimentary hire at the Guest Services Desk
The following is also currently in place during Quiet Hour within the participating Coles tenancy:
- Store lighting will be reduced
- Coles Radio will be switched off
- Register and scanner volumes will be reduced to the lowest level
- No trolley collections and roll cages will be removed from the shop floor
- No PA announcements except in the case of emergencies
- Free fruit will be offered at customer service
- Additional team members will be available to support customers
The program was developed in consultation with the City of Melville and Alzheimer’s WA, following a deepening commitment from Hawaiian to provide better age-friendly services, and support those with health concerns that might make a regular shopping experience difficult.
Hawaiian’s General Manager of Shopping Centres (Suburban) Scott Greenwood said the centre implemented Quiet Hour as a permanent initiative, following a successful pilot series during the month of August.
“There are many noises and distractions in an ordinary shopping experience that many of us are not aware of, but that can be challenging or prohibitive for individuals with noise or light sensitivity,” said Mr Greenwood.
“As part of our commitment to providing an inclusive environment for the local community, we are continually seeking new ways to adapt our centre amenities and surrounds to better serve our patrons.”
City of Melville Mayor Russell Aubrey congratulated Hawaiian Melville on the initiative, which undoubtedly will have a meaningful impact on the community.
“Hawaiian Melville recently joined the City’s Melville Age Friendly Accessible Business (MAFAB) Network, which brings together dedicated City officers and local businesses who work together to implement age-friendly and accessible initiatives to support the older population, including people living with dementia and with disabilities. We are thrilled to see ‘Quiet Hour’ become a permanent initiative as an outcome of the MAFAB network,” he said.
Patrons are encouraged to provide feedback on the initiative to the Hawaiian’s Melville Guest Services Desk, located outside Coles.