Navan Retail Park to lead the way in sensory-friendly shopping

Navan Retail Park is set to launch a project which will make store visits easier for people with autism and other sensory difficulties.
The initiative is set to be launched in Navan with a special family day on Saturday, April 27 between 11.00am and 1.00pm.
This will include the availability of peaked caps for people with autism and other sensory issues which will block out light and help staff to identify people who may need assistance.
Navan Retail Park asset manager Sigma Retail Partners, which manages a number of retail parks across Ireland, is making the customer experience easier for families of children with special needs.
Working closely with stores, Navan Retail Park will provide advice to store staff and develop inclusive activities  to improve the customer experience.
These will include ‘quiet hours’ to facilitate visits by people with autism and other sensory difficulties which will be advertised on the Park’s Facebook page.
“There needs to be bigger and better awareness of autism in our communities across the country, and Navan Retail Park is more than happy to lead the way,” said Sigma’s Freda O’Donnell asset manager at Navan.
“True autism-friendliness means that we welcome you, and we understand that sometimes that you may need additional support and we are happy to provide it.
“We are happy to launch this initiative in April, which is World Autism Month.
“Navan Retail Park plans to host other autism-awareness events and fundraising initiatives.”