As part of its commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all visitors, Old Market Hereford has introduced a dedicated Quiet Hour every Sunday.
This initiative builds on the centre’s previous participation in National Autism Hour and its continued efforts to improve autism awareness through staff training.
The weekly Quiet Hour is designed to support customers who may find shopping overwhelming due to sensory sensitivities.
By working closely with retailers, Old Market ensures a calmer, more comfortable experience across the centre each Sunday morning.
In addition to the Quiet Hour, Old Market has developed specially designed Sensory Packs available to borrow. These packs are tailored for both adults and children and include helpful items such as ear defenders, caps, fidget toys, shopping checklists, and flashcards with visual aids and key information about the centre.
Customers who wish to borrow a Sensory Pack can do so by calling the Customer Service team on 01432 264109, emailing info@oldmarkethereford.co.uk, or visiting the Management Suite on arrival. General flashcards are also available to view online to help visitors prepare ahead of their visit.
Each participating retailer adjusts their environment to suit the Quiet Hour. Here’s a guide to when and what you can expect:
Old Market Management (10am–12pm): Hand dryers turned off in male and female toilets, reduced noise in the mall.
Costa (9am–10am): Lowered music. (Note: coffee machine noise remains; quieter seating upstairs.)
Coffee Corner (9am–10am): Music off. (Note: coffee machine noise remains.)
H&M (11am–12pm): Music lowered. (Tannoy announcements may still occur.)
Clarks (10:30am–11:30am): Music off. (Busy during ‘Back to School’ periods; quiet fitting appointments can be booked online.)
Flying Tiger (10:30am–11:30am): Music off.
Jack Wills (11am–12pm): Music lowered.
River Island (11am–12pm): Music lowered.
TK Maxx (11am–12pm): Music off.
Waitrose (11am–12pm): Music off. (Minimal tannoy announcements.)
Next (11am–12pm): Music off. (Till bell may still sound.)
Fat Face (10:30am–11:30am): Music lowered.
L’Occitane (10:30am–11:30am): Music off, lights lowered.
Pandora (10:30am–11:30am): Music off.
Joules (10:30am–11:30am): Music off.
Paperchase (11am–12pm): Music off.
Seasalt (11am–12pm): Music off, lights lowered.
Vodafone (11am–12pm): Music off.
Odeon Cinema: Autism-friendly screening on the last Sunday of every month, with raised lighting and lowered volume. (Visit the Odeon website for more details.)
By creating a more understanding and accessible shopping environment, Old Market Hereford is helping to ensure that everyone can enjoy their time at the centre.
