Manx Telecom introduces quiet shopping hours at Douglas store

The Isle of Man’s telecommunications provider is implementing quiet shopping hours at its high street retail location. This initiative will begin during the Christmas shopping period and will subsequently become a permanent feature at the Douglas shop on Strand Street. Its purpose is to provide “a relaxed and inclusive shopping experience for customers who may find the typical environment overwhelming, particularly during the festive season”. These designated hours are now in effect every Wednesday from 09:00 to 10:00, during which the store’s music will be turned off, lights will be dimmed, and in-store screens will be switched off. Manx Telecom stated that the concept originated from a staff member whose “own experience with a neurodiverse family member highlighted the need for a sensory-friendly shopping experience”. The launch of these quiet hours reportedly received “a calm and pleasant response”. Nick Callow, head of consumer at Manx Telecom, commented: “We understand that for some of our customers, the usual hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping can feel overwhelming.“By making small but thoughtful changes to create a quieter, calmer atmosphere, we hope to make shopping a more comfortable experience for everyone.” He further added: “We’re grateful for the feedback we’ve received from the community, which has helped us better understand how meaningful these adjustments can be for many people.”