Overview

• City administration and Handelsverband Hessen launched the voluntary program of quiet shopping hours every Thursday from 15:00 to 17:00 across participating outlets.
• More than 20 stores have adopted measures like dimmed lights, muted music and paused announcements to create a calmer shopping environment.
• Participating employees report lower stress during designated hours and retailers have received positive feedback on social media.
• The initiative targets sensory-sensitive shoppers, including people with autism, ADHD, migraine or Long-Covid.
• Kassel and other Hessian municipalities are holding informational meetings to replicate the model while Fulda and Frankfurt continue evaluating the concept.