Currys launches inclusive shopping support with WelcoMe across Irish stores
Currys partners with WelcoMe to create a more inclusive in-store experience for all customers.
For many of us, popping into our local tech store to browse for a new pair of headphones or check out the latest phone is second nature. We don’t think twice about the lighting, the layout, or whether we’ll be able to communicate comfortably with staff. But for people with sensory sensitivities, mobility challenges, or other additional needs, even a simple shopping trip can be stressful or completely inaccessible.
That’s why Currys Ireland is stepping up, launching a new in-store accessibility initiative in partnership with WelcoMe, a platform designed to make shopping more inclusive for everyone.
The system is simple but powerful: before visiting a Currys store, customers can use WelcoMe to create a personal profile and pre-book their visit. They can outline their specific needs, whether it’s avoiding sensory overload, requiring a wheelchair-friendly layout, or needing extra time for communication. Once the visit is booked, Currys colleagues are notified and provided with short, targeted training videos and guidance tailored to that customer.
Even better, customers can highlight which products they’re interested in ahead of time. This gives staff a chance to explore features or suggest suitable alternatives, especially when it comes to inclusive tech, such as hearing aid-compatible phones or accessible smart home devices.
Currys has already made strides in inclusive retail with its ‘Quiet Hour’ (every weekday until 11am), where noise is reduced, lights are dimmed, and screens are static to create a calmer environment. The WelcoMe platform builds on this by offering a more personalised approach, helping staff deliver truly supportive one-to-one service.
“Everyone deserves a comfortable and supportive shopping experience,” said Jaimie Cantwell, Head of Brand & Marketing at Currys Ireland. “This partnership with WelcoMe reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring accessibility and inclusion are at the heart of what we do.”
WelcoMe isn’t just helpful, it’s educational. Drawing on input from charities and experts, it offers staff quick, practical tips such as how to respectfully greet a guide dog owner or assist someone with speech difficulties.
Founder Gavin Neate praised the move: “Currys is an ideal partner to champion accessible retail. The enthusiasm their teams have shown to support customers better has been truly inspiring.”
