There’s been a recent wave of TikTok videos showcasing the Tesco Sensory Box, a fresh initiative being launched in Tesco stores across the UK. The boxes are designed to aid neurodivergent people – those whose brains process information differently — by offering items that can make their shopping experience more comfortable.
Neurodivergence is a broad term covering conditions such as autism and ADHD. Individuals who are neurodivergent can find certain public environments challenging, often feeling overwhelmed or anxious when carrying out everyday tasks like shopping or using public transport.
Video producer, Alice Walker, has previously discussed her own diagnosis of autism and ADHD on the Liverpool Echo and is currently on the path to an OCD diagnosis, so she was curious about these sensory boxes.
Alice revealed: “I usually carry around one or two fidget toys because otherwise I can end up pulling on my eyebrows when I’m anxious, and quite often I’m left with patchy brows after a stressful day.
“I also usually do my shopping online, if I can, because I do really struggle to shop in person, with the noises, bright lights, and people all around me.
“So with all that in mind, I decided to head to the Tesco store on Hanover Street in Liverpool city centre to see if they had a sensory box and, if so, what was inside.”
She continued: “When I got into the store, I was pleased to see that it wasn’t a particularly busy time in the city centre shop. I headed over to Customer Service and asked a lovely woman behind the counter if they had the sensory box.
“Thankfully, they did have it. Inside was a variety of sensory toys and different lanyards, including a sunflower lanyard, which is part of a scheme to help those with hidden disabilities indicate that they may need additional support or time.”
There was also a pair of headphones and sunglasses. Alice was assured instantly that everything in the box was sanitised after every use.
Alice said: “I had initially assumed I would be able to take the entire box with me around the shop, until the staff member explained that you can take one or two items from the box that you think you will need. This made more sense, should somebody else with additional needs want to use something while I was shopping.
“I opted for a Tesco-branded fidget toy. I do usually have a fidget cube or spinner to help me when I am overstimulated, but I didn’t have one today.”
She continued, “I really enjoyed being able to walk around the store using the cube. It eased my anxiety and stress that always creeps in when I’m in a big shop.
“I know a lot of people might be nervous to go and ask for something like this – it can be scary to draw any attention to being neurodivergent or identify yourself as having additional needs. I know that firsthand. But the staff treated me with respect, and I would recommend accessing the sensory box, should you need it.”
Numerous retailers, including Tesco, provide ‘quiet hours’, during which lighting is reduced, music is switched off, and self-service tills operate in silence for an hour on particular days.
Alice added: “This is a great start, but it would be good for other stores to take this lead and make every day accessible for people like me. I am relieved knowing it is an option for me now. It can be scary to ask for help but I did and I was all the better for it.”