Currys boosts shopping experience for those with disabilities as it extends WelcoMe trial to London stores

In March, we reported that Currys had become the first tech retailer to partner with WelcoMe, with the aim of improving the shopping experience for customers with disabilities.

A purpose built web app, the platform works by allowing shoppers with a disability to register an in-person store visit, online.

Through filling out a quick 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 specific requirements etc.

The tool also gives retail partners access to pointers and best practice techniques to help accommodate anybody, specific to certain disabilities.

This was piloted across 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.

And this coming week, WelcoMe will be launched at a further 20 stores across London:

Oxford Street

Tottenham Court Road

Bromley

White City Westfield

Crayford

Orpington

Barbican

Mile End Road

Sydenham

Brixton

Old Kent Road

Wembley Stadium

Staples Corner

Canary Wharf

Kensington

Brentford

New Malden

Colliers Wood

Croydon

Charlton

Gavin Neate, Founder of WelcoMe, says: “In a world of online shopping and automated checkouts I believe that disabled people still want, need and appreciate, knowledgable and engaging, face to face customer service interactions.”

“In collaboration with Currys, we aim to prove it and where better to prove the power of the Purple Pound than the capital city itself.”

He adds: “WelcoMe allows disabled shoppers to communicate directly with staff members at participating stores, with this communication triggering in the moment disability awareness training. This onsite, easily accessed, training also prepares staff to meet and greet all disabled people with more equity and confidence.”

“Over the next eight weeks we will be inviting the people of London to test out the platform and give us and Currys feedback on its use.”