Toys R Us Autism Friendly Shopping Event 8th October

For the third year running Toys R Us* have announced they will be holding a nationwide Autism Friendly Shopping Event in all stores.

This next event will be on 8th October 2017 with the times varying across the country as follows:

England and Wales - 10am to 11am,
Scotland - 9am to 10am,
Northern Ireland - 12noon to 1pm.

The is an autism-friendly browsing event for families affected by autism and additional needs to give the opportunity for families to enjoy an hour of browsing, and experience an everyday environment that may not always be easy for children affected by autism to cope.

Families will have the store exclusively to themselves for an hour before the stores are open to the general public.

Toys R Us stores will alter conditions in store to create a more autism friendly environment. Lights will be slightly dimmed and fluorescent lighting reduced where possible. Music and Tannoy announcements will be switched off during the event and autism-friendly signage will be utilised to offer a more calming influence and a quiet zone will be available should the need arise.

The Stores will open 1 hour prior to official store opening times for this event, though due to Sunday Trading legislation stores in England, Northern Ireland and Wales can't process sales until the official store opening time at 11am (England & Wales) or 1pm (Northern Ireland). Parents can return later that morning to pay for shopping if they wish, while Scottish stores will be able to process sales.

These events have been very welcome opportunities in the past for families affected by autism and additional needs, and it's great to see large stores taking part.