Currys is the first tech retailer to partner with WelcoMe, a platform designed to improve the shopping experience for customers with disabilities.
A purpose-built web-app works by allowing shoppers with a disability to register online for an in-person store visit. By filling out a form indicating any specific disability related needs or information, and an estimated date/time of arrival, stores are then notified of the upcoming visit giving them the opportunity to prepare for and accommodate any requirements.
The tool also gives retail partners access to useful pointers and best practice techniques to help accommodate anybody, specific to certain disabilities. It launches in conjunction with Neurodiversity Celebration Week, which aims to bring about worldwide neurodiversity acceptance, equality and inclusion.
Additionally, the project builds on Currys’ one-year-old ‘Quiet Hour’, whereby stores reduce noise, keep lights low, and make sure there are no flashing screens in store, every Monday to Friday until 11am.
Ainsley Sykes, head of commercial initiatives, retail design and technology at Currys, said: “We have enjoyed a lot of success with our Quiet Hour initiative, which Currys leads the way operating every weekday, yet we wanted to do more.”
“We became aware that 60% of disabled customers could not find the information they wanted to about a product online, so giving disabled customers access to our stores to see, feel and try the product and speak to our expert colleagues is even more important. The WelcoMe platform will really support us in our promise to ‘help everyone enjoy amazing technology’.”
WelcoMe will initially be piloted in 20 Currys stores around the Birmingham region, including: Birmingham Castle Vale, Birmingham Highgate, Birmingham Selly Oak, Burton, Cannock, Kidderminster, Leicester Fosse, Leicester St Georges, Loughborough, Merry Hill Retail Park, Shrewsbury, Solihull, Stafford, Stoke Festival Park, Stoke Longton, Sutton Coldfield, Tamworth, Telford, Wednesbury J9 and Wolverhampton.
The tech retailer stressed its teams are briefed and ready to start welcoming customers who use the tool as of this week.
Stay informed
Our editor carefully curates two newsletters a week filled with up-to-date news, analysis and research, click here to subscribe to the FREE newsletter sent straight to your inbox and why not follow us on LinkedIn to receive the latest updates on our research and analysis.
