A CAMPAIGN by St Enoch Centre to meet the needs of autistic shoppers has been shortlisted for a prestigious European shopping centre award.
The initiative, which was run in conjunction with the centre’s charity partner, Scottish Autism, involved establishing a permanent quiet space, providing staff training and hosting awareness-raising events to increase understanding of autism.
The centre has now been shortlisted for an ICSC Solal Marketing Award along with centres from Italy, Spain, Turkey and the Netherlands. The awards are the European retail sector’s equivalent of the Oscars.
The inclusion on the shortlist recognises the commitment of Glasgow’s leading shopping centre in meeting the needs of autistic shoppers. As part of its campaign, the centre worked with Hamleys to establish a permanent quiet hour as well as holding quiet sessions during popular events such as character visits.
St Enoch Centre general manager Anne Ledgerwood said: “We are very proud to be shortlisted for a Solal Award which recognises our hard work and commitment to meeting the needs of autistic shoppers.
“This campaign has brought real benefits for visitors to the centre and it’s very rewarding to see how the quiet room and other initiatives are making a difference every day by helping to make St Enoch Centre accessible to all.”
The winners will be announced in London on September 25.
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