At Safeway, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive shopping environment that meets the diverse needs of our customers. We know that not all families are the same, and we are committed to doing our very best to ensure that each and every one of them feels invited and welcomed in our stores.

For those with autism or sensory sensitivities, lights and sounds can often be overwhelming. Visiting a grocery store, like ours, can be an intimidating and uncomfortable experience. After seeing the positive reception in Nova Scotia and PEI stores, the Willowbrook Safeway team, spear-headed by Deli Manager and Mom of a four year old son with Autism, Ashley Baresinkoff, saw an opportunity to introduce sensory-friendly shopping in Langley.

Between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., Willowbrook Safeway turned off half of the lights; silenced music, telephone and register sounds; halted shopping cart gathering, and rather than using the store’s intercom, assigned a runner to pass messages around the store. With the outstanding support of our retail employees, the store was truly transformed into an inclusive sensory-friendly environment that meaningfully impacted our customers. Read more about Willowbrook’s work in the great story covered by CBC News.

With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we sometimes take advantage of seemingly quick and easy tasks such as shopping for groceries. But when we take a step back and evaluate the needs of our customers, we know this isn’t the case for all families. Way to go, Willowbrook team, for serving our communities and creating an inclusive environment that welcomes all customers to Safeway

*Willowbrook Safeway will continue to host sensory friendly shopping hours in the coming weeks, including April 12, 19, May 3, 17 and 31 from 4-5 p.m.