Walmart Will Dim Lights, Turn Off Radio for Good Reason; Here's What to Know About Sensory-Friendly Hours

Walmart will start dimming lights, as well as turning off radio and TV walls during morning shopping hours. Although this might seem a bad thing for American shoppers, the e-commerce giant has a good reason for it.

(Photo: ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images) A shopping cart with the Walmart logo is seen outside a Walmart store in Burbank, California on August 15, 2022. - Walmart, the largest retailer in the United States, will report second-quarter earnings on August 16, 2022.

The American retailer confirmed these changes on Tuesday, Nov. 7. The business adjustments were approved by Walmart's SVP and Chief Belonging Officer Denise Malloy Deaderick, Executive VP Cedric Clark (Store Operations Walmart U.S.), and Vice President Alvis Washington (Retail Brand Experience).

Walmart Will Dim Lights, Turn Off Radio for Good Reason

According to USA Today's latest report, the new changes are called "sensory-friendly hours." Walmart said that these would be implemented from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. local time (except on Saturdays).

However, Walmart stores in the United States and Puerto Rico will implement sensory-friendly hours every day. Walmart said that these adjustments will start on Friday, Nov. 10.

As of writing, the American e-commerce giant hasn't announced an end date. Walmart asked for the understanding of its customers and associates since the changes are expected to make shopping a little easier on the eyes and ears.

"These changes are thanks to those who shared their feedback on how their stores could help them feel like they belong," said Walmart via its official website.

"From face-to-face conversations, emails, listening sessions, social media, and our personal experiences in the stores, we have seen what these changes mean for our customers and associates," added the retailer.

Why Walmart's Sensory-Friendly Hours are a Big Deal

(Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)People wearing protective masks walk from a Walmart store on May 18, 2021, in Hallandale Beach, Florida. Walmart announced that customers who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 will not need to wear a mask in its stores unless one is required by state or local laws.

By announcing the new sensory-friendly hours, Walmart joins other retailers that are becoming more cognizant when it comes to providing consumer needs.

Strategic Resource Group Managing Director Burt Flickinger said that Walmart's sensory-friendly hours are a "smart business strategy.

He explained that Walmart is not building goodwill with Americans, but the upcoming changes that the retailer will implement could encourage more shoppers to visit its stores and stay they longer.

Burt explained that morning shopping hours are when shoppers who may have special requirements are usually active since this period is not that busy compared to afternoon and night time.

"The busiest time tends to be from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. after school, on the way home from work, or Sunday night," explained Flickinger.

Numerous market experts said that the efforts of Walmart, Target, and other giant retailers could encourage other e-commerce giants to launch sensory-friendly initiatives.