purple tuesday

Other supporters of Purple Tuesday include Asda, M&S and Sainsbury’s

AF Blakemore Spar stores have been training thousands of employees in disability awareness ahead of the UK’s first accessible shopping day, Purple Tuesday, next month.

Disability organisation Purple has established the event, on 13 November, to recognise the importance and needs of disabled consumers and the barriers they face when shopping.

It hopes the new fixture will encourage retailers to ensure their services are as accessible as possible.

Blakemore is training 5,000 employees over a four-week period through an online awareness campaign in practical ways to support customers with physical, learning and mental disabilities.

The training will promote effective communication, teaching participants how to create a positive customer experience and providing them with practical ways to ensure all stores are disability friendly.

Retailers will also be encouraged to host a variety of ‘purple-themed’ activities in store to celebrate Purple Tuesday.

“We are extremely proud to be supporting Purple Tuesday in our Spar convenience stores,” said Blakemore Retail training & development manager Kerry Hunt.

“We hope the online training modules and in-store campaigns will enable our colleagues to provide the best possible shopping experience to all our customers.”

Other supporters of Purple Tuesday include Asda, Marks & Spencer and Sainsbury’s.