Walmart’s new morning hours: What can you expect?

Walmart’s new morning hours: What can you expect?

Walmart has made a permanent switch on its morning hours, a move made to assist shoppers with sensory issues.

The change, which applies to stores nationwide, is in effect now from 8 a.m.-10 a.m. local time everyday. The previous sensory hours, first put into place in July, were only for Saturdays.

During these special hours, the store radio will be turned off. Lights will be lowered in areas where possible and television, normally set to flashing commercials, will be tuned to static images. Stores are open to any shoppers during this time, but is especially designed for customers who experience sensory issues, including people with autism, ADHD and PTSD.

Walmart decided to expand the sensory-friendly hours following “overwhelmingly positive” feedback “”

“Earlier this year, we took a step in making shopping in our stores more inclusive for those with sensory disabilities by taking measures to create a less stimulating environment for a couple hours each Saturday,” the company said in a blog post. “The feedback of the pilot program was overwhelmingly positive. These changes may have seemed small to some, but for others they transformed the shopping experience. Our biggest piece of feedback? Keep it going!”

Sensory hours aren’t the only changes shoppers will see at Walmart. The nation’s largest retail chain recently opened 117 newly renovated stores, representing more than half a billion dollars in capital investments. Once complete, 1,400 Walmart stores will undergo the renovations.

Renovations will include new paint and fixtures, updated flooring and renovated restrooms, as well as LED lighting to brighten aisles. Elevated displays will show products out of their boxes with digital touchpoints with QR codes providing more information on products.

Pharmacy and customer service areas are being enlarged and private rooms designated for nursing mothers will be available.