For non-autistic or non-hypersensitive people, it can be difficult to understand how exhausting routine activities, such as grocery shopping, can be.
This issue becomes especially pronounced when navigating bustling shopping centres. Joanne Theisen, herself dealing with hypersensitivity, likens the experience to a visit to the Schueberfouer.
In an effort to create a more comfortable shopping environment for these individuals, Luxembourg has introduced the concept of heures silencieuses ("silent hours") in two shopping centres, as explained by Minister for Family Affairs Max Hahn.
This initiative was first launched by a major shopping centre in Kirchberg in late June. By early August, the project had garnered the attention of the Ministry of Family Affairs, which decided to endorse and expand it nationwide. Multiple stakeholders are actively engaged in this endeavour, with the Luxembourg Trade Confederation among them. Shops interested in participating in this initiative can reach out to the latter for further information, says director Tom Baumert.
Shopping centres currently offering silent hours
- Kirchberg Shopping Centre - every Thursday from 2pm to 4pm
- Shopping Center Cloche d'Or - every Thursday from 3pm to 4pm
