Monoprix launches sensory friendly hours at Doha Festival City outlet

Shopping at Monoprix-Doha Festival City is set to become a pleasant experience for people with sensory sensitivities, thanks to the sensory friendly hours that offer an inclusive shopping environment.In collaboration with Step by Step Centre for Special Needs, Monoprix-Doha Festival City launched yesterday the initiative to provide a sensory-friendly shopping experience from 1pm-3pm on weekdays and from 8am-10am on Fridays and Saturdays.The initiative is part of the inclusion policy of Monoprix and an awareness campaign by Step By Step Centre, aimed at creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all."The initiative is part of the efforts to innovatively give back to the community,” said Monoprix country manager Chadi Bou Antoun. "This is an engagement with the people who need us.”"It’s a solution for the parents and a relief for the families who face difficulties while shopping with people with sensory sensitivities,” he said. "It’s a commitment. It’s not entertainment, but an activity that should be in place.”He added that the outlet staff members are trained to deal with the persons with sensory disabilities.Monoprix rolled out the initiative earlier at the Iconic 2022 outlet at Al Waab, where it is evoking a good response from customers.Monoprix-Doha Festival City store manager Khalid El Khatouri said that the outlet showcases its commitment towards persons with disabilities and leaves a message of inclusiveness by implementing the initiative.The sensory hours include dimming of store lights, turning off music and announcements over the PA (public address system) and mitigating cash register noise.Staff members are also encouraged to speak more softly and not perform certain tasks, like gathering grocery carts.The initiative is implemented as part of Step By Step Centre’s outreach initiative, Building Bridges, where the centre advocates inclusiveness in public places."Bright lights and loud noises can make shopping tough for persons with sensory disabilities,” said Step By Step Group chief executive and managing director Nasreen Sharif. "Our aim is to ensure them hassle-free shopping experience.”"The idea of sensory-friendly shopping hours is a solution, and the dedicated hours ensure a calmer and more inclusive shopping experience for these individuals,” she said, adding that this kind of initiative will keep the persons with disabilities engaged."A friendly shopping experience can inspire and motivate them while developing multiple social and vocational skills,” Sharif said, adding that efforts are being taken to spread the initiative to more shopping places across Qatar to achieve the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030."Unfamiliar faces and unfamiliar voices, the sound of trolleys moving, the bright lights, and music playing in the background are just some of the challenges experienced by persons with special needs,” said parent Navash Appalasamy. "These sensory hours will create an inclusive environment for neurodivergent individuals.”He noted that the initiative reaffirms that the special needs community is fully supported.The event also showcased products made by students of Step By Step Centre.