The beeping at the checkouts, music from the loudspeakers, harsh lighting and crowded aisles. Shopping can quickly become a strain for people with autism. More and more shops are therefore offering fixed times with fewer sensory stimuli. IKEA has now introduced the so-called Quiet Hour (Stille Stunde) nationwide in Germany. Individual supermarkets are taking part as well. Around the Day of Invisible Disabilities on 20 October 2026, the initiative received attention once again.
IKEA offers the Quiet Hour nationwide
Since June 2026 there has been a fixed arrangement in all German IKEA stores. Every Wednesday from 17:00 to 19:00, shopping is meant to become calmer. During this time the company dispenses with background music and unnecessary announcements. The lighting is also reduced where possible on site. Noisy work is to be suspended.
The offer is expressly aimed at people with autism and ADHD as well. According to IKEA, earlier trial phases in several stores met with mostly positive feedback.
It does not become completely silent, however. Conversations, other customers and necessary safety announcements remain possible. The Quiet Hour thus creates a shopping time with fewer stimuli, but does not guarantee a completely calm environment.
REWE and EDEKA are taking part too
In supermarkets, the offer depends on the individual branch. One example is the boni Center in Witten, which belongs to the REWE akzenta group. There, on Tuesdays from 15:00 to 17:00, music, announcements and disruptive checkout noises are reduced. Restocking of goods is also meant to cause as little additional disturbance as possible.
At the EDEKA Glahn store in Worbis, a similar shopping time has existed since October. According to the store, it takes place on Tuesdays from 16:00 to 19:00. Background music stays switched off, and unnecessary noises are to be avoided.
The offers do not, however, automatically apply to all REWE or EDEKA stores. Times and measures differ by location. Anyone who wants to shop specifically during the Quiet Hour should therefore check in advance with the shop concerned.
Why shopping can be stressful for people with autism
In a supermarket, numerous sensory impressions meet at the same time. Refrigeration units hum, shopping trolleys rattle and people talk. In addition there are the lighting, smells and the constant need to find one’s way among other customers.
For some people with autism, this variety of stimuli can become overwhelming. This is especially so when several sounds occur at once or unexpected situations are added. Others cope well with such impressions. Sensory perception differs from person to person.
Even switching off the background music can make a difference for some of those affected. What kinds of strain can arise is explained in our knowledge articles on sensory overload in autism and sensory processing.
The Quiet Hour takes a simple approach. It is not the people who have to adapt to a stressful environment, but the shop that changes its conditions, at least temporarily. Older people, families with small children and other customers can benefit too.
Where people with autism can shop more calmly
The association gemeinsam zusammen, which supports the initiative in Germany, publishes an overview of participating shops and institutions (in German). It includes supermarkets, retail shops and other public services.
Interested people can search there for suitable locations. In some cases the respective time slots are also given. Since shops can change their offers, it is advisable to check the details before a visit.
Anyone who is particularly sensitive to light or noise can also ask directly which measures are actually put into practice during the Quiet Hour. The lighting, for example, is not dimmed everywhere.
Further tips for preparing shopping trips and outings can be found in our article Out and about in everyday life, when shopping and when travelling (in German).
A good development with limits
The Quiet Hour shows that some sensory strains can be reduced with comparatively simple changes. However, the benefit depends heavily on actual implementation. If many people are shopping at the same time even though the music is off, it can remain loud and hectic.
It is therefore crucial that the announced measures are reliably kept. Staff should also know why the Quiet Hour is offered and what needs may be connected with it.
The offers are, moreover, so far mostly voluntary. That does not yet create comprehensive accessibility in retail. Many people with autism also cannot limit their shopping to particular weekdays or times of day.
More consideration in everyday shopping
With the nationwide introduction at IKEA and the offers of individual supermarkets, the Quiet Hour is receiving growing attention. It shows that barriers do not always have to be structural. Noise, lighting and unpredictable routines can also make independent participation harder.
For people with autism, the offer is an additional way to make shopping more pleasant. Whether this leads to a lasting, reliable improvement depends on how many shops take part and how consistently they implement their measures.
Sources
IKEA Germany. IKEA Germany introduces the Quiet Hour nationwide. Press release of 21 May 2026 (in German).
IKEA Germany. Information on the times and measures of the Quiet Hour (in German).
Gemeinsam zusammen e. V. Overview of participating shops and institutions (in German).
Gemeinsam zusammen e. V. Information on the Quiet Hour at the boni Center Witten (in German).
EDEKA Glahn. Quiet Hour at the Worbis store. October 2026 (in German).
Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR). Report on the Quiet Hour in the Witten supermarket. 21 October 2026 (in German).
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