Costco Will Host an Autism-Friendly Shopping Event For Families, Warming Our Holiday Hearts

Attention Costco shoppers: in honor of the holidays, the wholesale megastore is offering a special event for those with autism. Following in the footsteps of places like Chuck E. Cheese's and Toys "R" Us, a Costco in Illinois announced that on Friday, Dec. 16, it will be hosting a sensory-friendly shopping event to help those with autism have a more enjoyable shopping experience.

"It's really helpful for stores to reduce the odors, reduce the sounds, reduce the distractions that make it really hard for children as well as adults," a spokesperson for an autism advocacy group told Central Illinois Proud.

Between the flashing lights, loud noises, and congested aisles, shopping can be an unbelievably overwhelming experience for parents of kids with autism, but there's no better time than the holidays to accommodate those who are sensitive to these things. From 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., the local store will take down all visual displays and will have "minimal lighting."

This Costco location and the other stores creating sensory-friendly events are setting an amazing example and we hope that more stores can follow their lead.