A Calmer Shopping Experience at Marketplace

At Marketplace, we’re proud to support an inclusive environment where all members of our community feel welcome. For shoppers who experience sensory sensitivities—such as those with autism, anxiety, or other sensory processing challenges—the typical hustle and bustle of a busy shopping Centre can be overwhelming.

That’s why we’re excited to share that two of our major retailers, Woolworths and Kmart, now offer dedicated quiet shopping hours. These calm periods are designed to reduce sensory input—such as loud noises, bright lights, and sudden announcements—making everyday errands more manageable for those who may find traditional shopping environments overstimulating.

Woolworths: Quiet Hour, Five Days a Week

Woolworths Quiet Hour initiative runs every weekday, Monday to Friday, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. During this time, several changes are made to create a more soothing atmosphere: store lighting is dimmed, music and radio announcements are turned off, scanner beeps and electronic sounds are reduced, and roll cages are removed from the shop floor. Public announcements are paused unless there is an emergency, helping to maintain a calmer space throughout the hour.

Kmart: Quiet Space for Sensory-Friendly Shopping

Kmart has also introduced a similar initiative known as Quiet Space, which runs every Wednesday from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm at selected locations, including Marketplace. During these hours, the store environment is carefully adjusted to reduce sensory overload. The lighting is dimmed, the Kmart radio and in-store music are turned off, and unnecessary announcements are avoided. In addition, trolley movements and shop floor equipment are kept to a minimum to help reduce background noise.

Kmart has also developed an online sensory map to help customers plan their visit with greater confidence and clarity, this can be found here.

While both Woolworths and Kmart do their best to create a calm, low-sensory environment during these designated hours, it’s important to note that we cannot control the noise or behaviour of other shoppers, nor the activity levels in surrounding areas. These times are designed to be as welcoming and peaceful as possible, but some external factors may still vary.

By supporting initiatives like Quiet Hour and Quiet Space, we hope to contribute to a more inclusive and accessible Marketplace—where everyone can feel comfortable, respected, and at ease while doing their everyday shopping.