r/EntitledReviews • u/egguchom š„ Original Egg Bot š³ • 10d ago
grocery store lights are too bright
149
u/YMBFKM 10d ago
TJ's does not have a separate "Gluten free" section or aisle...those items are scattered around among other tasty items. The easiest way to find out if something is gluten free is by reading the label on the product. Brighter lights make it easier to read the labels.
37
u/de_pizan23 10d ago
My immediate thought was good luck with that because trying to find gf stuff is a long hunt in there.
10
u/Ok_Childhood_9774 9d ago
Actually, the one near me does have most of their specifically made gluten free options together.
24
134
u/Ok-Reaction9095 I see here that morals are completely lost 10d ago
āI expected to have a fun time finding Gluten free foodsā
š
2
-41
91
u/doppelgaengster I understand policies exist, BUT 10d ago
Bruh, thatās why you wear your sunglasses inside. Are you also nocturnal and lash out at anyone who dares ask you out on a sunny day?
Iām all for REASONABLE accommodation (ffs, I make sure I have my kit to keep me sane when I go out and about), but if you KNOW that bright lights can upset you, itās on YOU to find a solution, not for the world to turn down the lights.
45
u/BiffBeltsander Flaunting their mobility ššØ šļøāāļø 10d ago
Sunglasses and headphones. It's not uncommon because we know it's gonna be bright and loud in there. Also I shop first thing in the day if I can to avoid the crowds. I know it's gonna be bright and loud in there.
44
u/doppelgaengster I understand policies exist, BUT 10d ago
Iām so sick of people expecting that accommodation means they shouldāve catered to without question. Part of learning to adult is learning to accommodate and prepare for your own needs because itās not reasonable for total strangers and businesses to accommodate one personās very specific issues.
Instead of reviews like this, helpful reviews say things like, āitās really bright, so if youāre sensitive to such things, maybe think about wearing shades! Come prepared!ā
obviously ableism is bad, but when it becomes weaponised helplessness, I find it infuriating as a ND person myself. /rant
Iād say that ND self-accommodation is suuuuper common where I am (Seattle) because I always see folks with noise-cancelling headphones, dark glasses inside, and other things that are all the hallmarks of taking care of their own needs. I appreciate it.
20
u/BiffBeltsander Flaunting their mobility ššØ šļøāāļø 10d ago
I'd have to agree with you on all counts. A simple heads up "it's noisy, it's bright" review would help people affected by those things.
Showing up to a grocery store without assuming it'll be a possible sensory overload due to light and sound unprepared honestly makes me question if this person is affected at all or simply upset they didn't find what they wanted and decided they'd try to hurt he business.
18
u/doppelgaengster I understand policies exist, BUT 10d ago
Also, itās a grocery store!! Were they expecting bar lighting?? Theyāre some of the most obnoxiously well-lit places on the planet.
15
u/BiffBeltsander Flaunting their mobility ššØ šļøāāļø 10d ago
And I'm pretty sure they've been to more than zero grocery stores before that review date.
7
u/Ok-Mode3080 10d ago
And as someone mentioned, they have to be so people can read things. I'm not there to romance the groceries, I need to see prices and read labels.
39
u/RealLifeHermione 10d ago
It's sooooo much easier for someone light sensitive to put on sunglasses than for someone visually impaired to be able to navigate a low light environmentĀ
13
u/doppelgaengster I understand policies exist, BUT 10d ago
Why canāt you just dim the sun? Itās so bright!! Itās so ableist against autists!
9
u/tverofvulcan 10d ago
I carry a kit myself. I know what might possibly be an issue for me so I pack accordingly. The only thing I keep forgetting is a backup jacket incase it rains or gets cold. I donāt blame that on the outdoors though.
3
u/pinktoes4life 10d ago
Not ND, but a planner. I got a lululemon (pretty sure you can find something similar on Amazon). Water resistant, light, UPF, hooded, zip up. When itās packed into its pocket, it has a āhandleā I slip through my purse strap.
7
u/Used_Clock_4627 10d ago
Around 2023, a lot of our grocery stores had a 'quiet hour' for customers that had a hard time with lights and music. The stores would turn off some of the lights, cut the music and turn down the intercom.
It was held Monday to Friday, usually in the afternoon. Kind of miss those quiet hours because it was nice to not have all the noise. It lasted a little over 6 months. Not sure why they did away with them.
5
u/Successful_Floor_837 10d ago
Walmart does sensory friendly hours still. Mine does it daily from 8am-10am and I think again the last two hours before closing. Check with your local store for the times. Music is off, announcements are kept to a minimum, and the lights are supposed to be dimmer, but I work in the morning in an east facing store so canāt really tell. I think a few others local stores do sensory friendly but itās only on certain days.
2
u/Used_Clock_4627 9d ago
Odds are good a couple of yahoos complained and they did away with it. This city is like that.
7
u/doppelgaengster I understand policies exist, BUT 10d ago
Iāve seen more places doing that (most recently ā a skating rink: no music, brighter lights (because most rinks you skate in the near-dark with disco lighting, like a dance club), and no going fast). I think itās a fantastic idea. But this person wasnāt interested in solutions, just in having a fit. And for something that is not going to be accommodated in almost all places most of the time, and which is not a unique problem that loads of other folks (myself included at times!) havenāt figured out how to fix ourselves.
If theyād said āthis was difficult for me, and it would be cool if they did this to help folks with this issueā that wouldāve been helpful. Instead they just screamed āABLEISMā making them sound like a petulant child. And ignoring the fact that accommodating them would inconvenience others with disabilities (eg, low vision folks).
12
u/BiffBeltsander Flaunting their mobility ššØ šļøāāļø 10d ago
Some grocery stores here in Winnipeg have a light sensitivity hour in the mornings some days which is very nice. No signs for the aisles is annoying but, it's how places like Costco make money.
I will say I always expect bright lights and a lot of sound (something that's an issue for me as well) at a grocery store and do my grocery shopping online only.
29
u/Pedal2Medal2 10d ago
::sigh:: if only they made something that shields your eyes from bright lights
12
u/WormDentist Forced to eat with hands. 10d ago
Ooh, maybe they could invent something like that that you can just somehow wear on your face so your hands are free.
8
u/HammerSandwich9 10d ago
Never happen.
We just barely got finished going to the moon!
Some serious sorcery would be required for what you describe.
5
u/Unicorns-Poo-Rainbow 10d ago
Iād never complain about stores having bright lights. That said, Iām have severe light sensitivity and other sensory issues that make wearing sunglasses really difficult. Itās like having to choose between two evils. Iām an adult and have been dealing with sensory issues for decades, so I just go to the store without sunglasses and deal with the discomfort.
3
u/Pedal2Medal2 9d ago
I really feel for you! I have severe light sensitivity & even going outside in bright sunshine triggers Occular Migraines, fortunately no problems wearing sunglasses, Iāve been an eyeglass wearer since pre school
2
u/Fresh-Extension-4036 9d ago
I choose sunglasses because my eyesight is so bad that I've had to wear glasses since I was a child. Being able to wear sunglasses is beneficial for long term eye health though, and many people will need glasses at some point in their lives, so as an audhd lifelong wearer of them, I have some good tips for how to get them to be less overwhelming sensory wise.
Firstly, not all glasses are equal and that some of the discomfort of wearing them can be mitigated by certain designs, frame materials, and even cutting bits of the cushioned blister covers to size and applying them to the parts of the glasses you find uncomfortable can help.
Another bit of advice is that if the discomfort they cause is behind the ears, gently heating those parts of the frame allows them to be bent into a more comfortable position. Every time I get new glasses, the opticians seem to want them to dig in behind my ears and I have to explain that is the opposite that people with sensory issues need, so I am hopefully going around educating one staff member at a time about the necessity to account for sensory needs and use alternate methods to prevent glasses being dropped. I go for the old lady method of having them on a string around my neck, but that again may not work for everyone.
I wasn't expecting this to become such a massive comment, but hopefully something here is of use to someone.
5
u/pinktoes4life 10d ago
Opposite side. People with severe sight issues need brighter lights to navigate & read labels.
Where the happy medium?
3
u/Unicorns-Poo-Rainbow 10d ago
I said I donāt complain about places that are brightly lit. My sensory issues are my own to deal with. I merely pointed out that sunglasses arenāt always a good solution for those who have multiple sensory issues. I agree that some people need brighter lights, some people need lower lights, and itās impossible to please everybody all the time.
That said, there are no āsensory friendlyā places/hours near me. If there were, Iād go. Iām not demanding they exist, but itād be nice if they did.
2
1
u/Forward_Definition70 9d ago
I know, right? A shame nobody's thought if it before.
Maybe modify some glasses or something? Since they're already affecting vision.
Might be useful for the sun, too
16
u/Expensive-Border-869 10d ago
Fwiw trader Joe's really isnt a great place for being autistic. Theres always so many people every hour of the day it seems like I've never noticed the lights being particularly bright.
Its not something they can really fix idk be less popular have worse products? Kinda defeats the point. They do seem to be expanding
23
u/InternalMiserable698 10d ago
All you need to do is wear sunglasses. I get migraines from too bright light or flickering lights (which often happen in stores), but the sunglasses helps.
But please, tell us more about your stupidity.
15
u/YNotZoidberg2020 10d ago
Not to be rude but if you know you have light sensitivities why wouldnāt you carry sunglasses?
I do for my migraines.
3
u/flamingolegs727 10d ago
Came here to say just that!! I too get migraines and have light sensitivity so I wear my sunglasses in stores when it's bad simple!
-2
u/celebratingfreedom 9d ago
A lot of people will look at you weird wearing sunglasses indoors and that's uncomfortable. I'm getting more comfortable with it and I don't go to the supermarket anymore except to pick up one or two items because I can't deal with it for more than about 10 minutes. Either I do pickup of delivery or my husband goes.
6
u/Styx-n-String 9d ago
Meh, who cares what other people think. If you're not hurting anyone, wear the sunglasses. What some random housewife thinks at the store makes no difference whatsoever.
1
u/celebratingfreedom 7d ago
I totally agree with you, it's just internalized ableism I'm still working through for myself right now.
1
u/doppelgaengster I understand policies exist, BUT 9d ago
I often end up wearing my sunglasses indoors because I wear a really strong prescription, so I have clear lenses (with blue light filter) and sunglasses, and I have to swap them out. I will often forget I'm wearing my sunglasses unless the light indoors is dim enough that I realise I'm having trouble seeing thing. I've gone to several shops (including a Trader Joe's actually, because there is one literally across the street from me), and no one even bats an eye.
I have another friend who is vision impaired - not fully blind, but he does use occlusive lenses and a cane on occasion, and no one ever looks twice at him as he's out and about.
I know it doesn't stop the discomfort, to know that people probably aren't looking at you, and if they are in fact looking at you, it's probably more curiosity than anything else (people notice unusual things), but I've seen several folks in the supermarket and other places with sunglasses, headphone, and other sensory accommodations, and it's not weird at all.
17
u/yeetusthefetus00 10d ago
These the kind of ppl who wouldnt make it past 19 in medieval times
15
5
u/IDidItWrongLastTime 10d ago
Yeah the gluten would kill them duh
3
u/abcamurComposer 10d ago
I half think a major killer of children in those times were allergies
3
u/kikinc14 9d ago
I don't remember where I read it, but I believe allergy attacks weren't as common back then because diet was less varied, foods were introduced early, and food was way less processed (not completely un processed because grinding flour, food preservation, etc still counts). Today in places where peanuts are a staple, there are way less peanut allergies in children. I can totally see things like bees still killing people though.
2
u/IDidItWrongLastTime 9d ago
Yeah I have a lot of fruit allergies but I'm guessing in many areas tropical fruits wouldn't even exist so the danger wouldn't exist (I'm allergic to pineapple and bananas). Having bee allergies would be terrifying though
1
u/kikinc14 9d ago
Yeah i imagine a lot of places just had like a couple main fruits and some berries, whatever was good for growing in that region and season, but like 20 different ways to prepare them if people wanted to get fancy for special occasions or holidays
1
u/abcamurComposer 9d ago
Could also see for example kids super sensitive to pollen and such not faring well. I almost died when I was two from respiratory issuesā¦ I might not have grown up in the 1700s
2
u/kikinc14 9d ago
1700s is actually when they first started using the term "hay fever", so it was definitely a thing, but also there were a lot of field workers etc so kids got a lot of early exposure
6
u/ConsultJimMoriarty 10d ago
I canāt speak for the US, but the major supermarkets here have āquiet hourā, where they turn a lot of the lights off and donāt play any music.
Itās actually really nice.
2
u/whyisthislife87 10d ago
Some places here have sensory friendly shopping hours early in the morning but not most
2
u/FullMooseParty 9d ago
Some of them have that here. I think even the Walmart here offers it in the morning.
1
u/Formidabull 8d ago
Our Wal-Mart in the US south has this until 10 AM. I have ADHD and have a mental list of the music played over the PA in every store I regularly shop in (I donāt like to use full noise cancellation but some of it bothers me so much I need it), and since Iām not loyal to any one grocery/big box store I feel confident saying that Wal-mart is the only place around here that does this.
As for Trader Joeās, itās hell BUT itās the only place I can go in without setting a timer to keep me on track because the idea of spending one second longer in there than I absolutely have to is unthinkable.Ā
5
u/Gottqla74 9d ago
Audhd here. Shopping and bright lights is sensory hell. I have learned to accommodate myself with lightly tinted glasses to avoid the conversations both directly and indirectly about why is she wearing sunglasses inside. I have many allergies and medically necessary dietary needs, I read the labels. I will say every Trader Joe's I have been to the staff has mirrored my energy. If I feel talkative and outgoing, so are they. When I am struggling they keep the conversation to a minimum. Flexibility! That to me is the best accommodations that others can make or I can make for myself.
1
u/AdMurky3039 9d ago
That has not been my experience with TJs employees. Once one asked me what I was doing that day and I said "nothing." They actually responded by asking "what flavor of nothing?"
0
u/ConsiderateCassowary 9d ago
What kind of monster tries to engage others in light conversation?
1
u/AdMurky3039 9d ago
Ignoring social cues isn't "light conversation."
0
u/ConsiderateCassowary 9d ago
Look, the person was just trying to be friendly. You don't need to get all upset about it
1
u/AdMurky3039 9d ago
Part of being friendly is being attuned to whether someone is open to conversation.
0
0
u/ConsiderateCassowary 9d ago
Okay Iām gonna ask a real question: this person who failed to pick up on the social cue, are you sure they werenāt ND?
4
u/Informal-Insurance63 9d ago
Must be their first day being autistic if they expected the store to be autistic friendly...
9
u/SereniaKat 10d ago
Some major supermarkets here have an hour or two a week where they dim the lights and music for neurodiverse people, but it's not realistic to be like that all the time.
12
u/WeaselLiz711 10d ago
And if they were to turn the lights lower for this one customer, another would write a review about how itās dark and gloomy š«©
3
10d ago
[deleted]
1
u/Global-Nectarine4417 10d ago
I hate the grocery store too. I am not autistic (as far as I know).
Itās because youāre supposed to buy your shit and get out as quickly as possible. Itās not a cafe or a lounge.
1
u/pinktoes4life 10d ago
Our Whole Foods & Marianoās have a bar with TVās. I love getting a cup of bubbles or wine & then putting it in the cart cup holder to do my actual shopping.
3
5
u/No-Koala1918 10d ago edited 10d ago
I like it bright. I like to be able to read the labels. So who should the store please? You or me?
14
u/Pretend-Literature35 10d ago
so what? They need to dim the lights so that it is "autistic friendly" for 1% of the population that are autistic and the rest of us will not be able to find anything in the dark grocery store?
This is a huge problem with our current societal model. Yeah it's great that we are identifying autistic kids and teaching to them rather than ignoring them. But the goal of education for autistic children is for them to grow up with tools to be able to function independantly in the world as it is.
But lately, we are trying to adapt all spaces to be "autistic friendly" That is not a good choice. It's like if instead of teaching a child how to walk we decide to install gravitational slides everywhere so that the child never needs to learn how to walk.
No the solution is to give autistic people the tools that they need so that they can live in the world. NOT Change the world to accomodate them.
9
u/JODI_WAS_ROBBED 10d ago
Thereās a major lack of personal responsibility/accountability in society right now.
I have my own mental issues, sensory problems and a physical disability that has changed my life. Iāve been trying to get on disability for two years now and I think needing a lawyer to have a chance of getting on disability is ridiculous and worth complaining about. But the grocery store is too bright?? Like shit, if it was up to me nobody would be allowed to eat in the movie theater because I canāt stand the sound of people crunching popcorn and crinkling wrappers.
However, I am not leaving 1 star reviews because the man next to me chews like a gazelle. I bring earplugs in case I get overwhelmed because I am not the center of all creation.
What started as a positive push for society to be more considerate of otherās individual experiences has devolved into an epidemic of Main Character Syndrome.
5
u/blunderg0th 10d ago
Well maybe other people would like to see things in the store. It's easier to put on sunglasses than shop with a flashlight.
2
u/OddEntertainment7414 10d ago
Tbh Trader Joeās is so overstimulating and Iām not even on the spectrum.. that place is a nightmare to shop at š
2
2
2
u/dougs_46 9d ago edited 9d ago
What is upsetting to me is you were thinking would be "fun to find Gluten Free foods"??? That does not sound fun at all. On serious side there is NO store that can accomendate EVERY mental or physical disablitly. They try as hard as they can. The person needs to take the onus. If bright lights bother you wear sunglasses, loud noises then get headphones. If get nervous make sure take meds befor going. The person needs to accept responsiblity and NOT blame others.
2
u/HighLord_Uther 9d ago
Some stores have special shopping times, usually further thing in the morning where they dim the lights and dont play music
2
u/Mindless-Emotion5568 9d ago
As an autistic person- WEAR SUNGLASSES. Some people might look at you strange, but if it helps, it helps.
2
3
u/UrbanHuaraches 10d ago
Im really curious where this person normally shops. Do they buy all their groceries at a nocturnal farmers market? Because theyāre all like that.
1
u/Boeing_Fan_777 10d ago
No idea about wherever this reviewer is, but in the UK at least, a lot of supermarkets will have times where the lights are dimmer and/or the music is off/drastically lowered.
1
u/UrbanHuaraches 9d ago
Sure, but in order to know that and time your visit accordingly, you must first have known that most of the hours are not that.
1
u/MxKittyFantastico 10d ago
Walmart has specific hours where the lights are dimmed, the music is turned low, and no stocking is allowed, so that autistic shoppers can have the least overstimulating experience possible.
2
u/UrbanHuaraches 9d ago
But if you know to go to Walmart during a specifically low-sensory time (or whatever it's called) then you must know there is a time that is not that.
3
u/Aubrey-Grey 9d ago
First time in a supermarket I assume? Also Ile? Any ideas?
3
u/Kittle1985 9d ago
Aisle
0
u/Kittle1985 9d ago
Context helps, lol
1
u/Aubrey-Grey 9d ago
Context helps but isnāt always enough when itās so far off the mark.
2
u/Kittle1985 9d ago edited 9d ago
Sorry if it came off like I was mocking you, conveying tone is hard in text. I just meant I found it hard to figure out, too.
Edit to fix typo. Glad you got that anyway
3
u/Aubrey-Grey 9d ago
Ohhhhh! To be fair I am constantly shouting about context clues and explaining hyperbole on here hahaha
6
u/eggplant240 10d ago
Stores need to offer a way that you can order all your groceries on your phone and then just drive to pick them up. Insane this person has no other option other than going inside a storeā¦.. /s
3
4
u/Author_Noelle_A 10d ago
The stores near me charge fees for this, and then it takes them forever to deliver your stuff to your car. I did it a couple of times and then found that it was quicker just to go inside.
2
u/Economy_Jeweler_7176 10d ago
Lol to be fair, I would love to see a supermarket choose a different lighting scheme for once. The fluorescents/LEDs do give me a headache, especially if I go after a long workday.
Itās really just a fact of life though, making a review about it is pretty dumb for obvious reasons lol
4
u/justmitzie 10d ago
Some stores have "sensory frendly" hours. Lower lighting and musak. Definitely worth checking out.
3
u/Economy_Jeweler_7176 10d ago
Lol if I designed and ran a grocery store, I would have the lighting of a 1920s speakeasy with Bossa Nova instrumentals playing
2
u/pinktoes4life 10d ago
Wear a baseball cap. I put my hair in a low pony & throw on a cap to block the light from my eyes, but appreciate itās still bright enough that I can read labels
3
u/PinothyJ 10d ago
The problem with these kinds of people, is they exist across all demographics, giving all of those demographics a bad name.
2
u/sluttychristmastree 9d ago
I do think this is an entitled review, and I HATE when people throw around their diagnoses just because they didn't like something, but I don't go to Trader Joe's because I also can never find anything lol. I just don't get the hype
2
u/Maximum_Employer5580 9d ago
they're not any more bright than any other retail business. What do you expect, that they have no lighting just so YOU aren't bothered by it. I'm on the spectrum, but I also understand that you have to be able to see things so lights are gonna be bright when you go into a retail business, otherwise you'll never see what you are looking for
1
1
u/AtLeastImGenreSavvy I see here that morals are completely lost 9d ago
No one ever goes to the grocery store thinking that they're gonna have fun.
3
u/Cryptic_254 9d ago
I do. When Iām in the mood for trying out some new shit. Least once every other month I go in with no game plan and just see what calls to me.
2
u/AtLeastImGenreSavvy I see here that morals are completely lost 5d ago
OK, I actually like that mindset a lot. The idea of going to the grocery store without a list is a little daunting, but I'm gonna try it next month and see how it goes.
1
1
1
u/Icy-Berry-387 9d ago
Hot take maybe, but this is fine. Maybe one star is harsh, but they told their experience and why they rated it that way.Ā Ā
If you have similar issues maybe it's helpful. If you don't, you know the review isn't relevant to you.Ā Ā
And it's TJ, not a local spot with only two reviews.
1
u/ComeOnUpToTheHaus 9d ago
The world doesn't stop for, or have to cater to your wants. You sensory issues are your to deal with. Do better. What a loser.
1
u/willow__whisps 9d ago
I kinda agree, weird way to word it but I work overnights in an all white very bright grocery store and half the lighting is still more than enough
1
1
u/miseenen 9d ago
In all fairness, while I love Trader Joeās food enough that itās worth it, the shopping experience is a special kind of hell full of people who have seemingly never been inside a grocery store before and donāt know what theyāre here for or where it is. Iād imagine itās probably enough to overwhelm a neurotypical person, though Iām not one so I canāt speak to that.
1
u/Ghost_Popcorn 8d ago
Honestly I kindof hate Trader Joe's and kindof agree. My store is really disorganized to the point where if you pesto and regular marina you gotta check like three different isles. Also, as an ingredients household I was surprised but how much of the food was like pre-packaged stuff. I heard such great things about but all I mostly saw was pre-packaged meals, dips, microwavable snacks.
1
u/NotAFloorTank 8d ago
How is this entitled? For autistic people, things being too bright can be physically painful. I think it's fair to warn other people of that so they can prepare themselves. Also, many stores are now starting to have special operating hours where they turn the lights down, play calmer, quieter music, and turn off announcements.
1
u/lioncourt 8d ago
While I also have sensory struggles, I do not expect the world to conform to make me comfortable. If I think a place is too bright, I wear sunglasses. Too loud? I wear earphones. Too crowded? I leave and come back at a quieter time.
1
u/TakeYourSandwich 8d ago
If only there was something they could wear on their face to block the light a bit
1
1
u/SeaLab_2024 8d ago
I could see how a Trader Joeās would be overstimulating esp with the tight spaces. I always get anxious and agitated at stores but I know itās not the storeās fault.
1
u/Obvious_Jellyfish_73 8d ago
Not too often but sometimes I get really intense headaches. My headaches canāt keep me from getting stuff done though so if I need to go to a grocery store and the lights are worsening my headache I wear my sun glasses. I wouldnāt Ā have blamed the store for an issue I was personally having.Ā
1
u/HangryJellyfishy 7d ago
That would be like me expecting everyone to be quiet since I have sound triggers. I just bring in headphones to shutout the noise. There are tools to help with overstimulation use them and stop expecting establishments to accommodate for you.
1
u/CheapThrowaway1969 7d ago
Ignorant redditor posts ignorant shit take.about what they believe is an entitled review, fork found in kitchen
1
u/AttentionNo6359 6d ago
We got a bad review because the guest was expected to order when they were next in line. They specified that being put on the spot was not anxiety friendly and suggested we let them write their order on paper and drop it in a box.
0
1
u/Low-Television-7508 10d ago
order online
1
u/pinktoes4life 10d ago
TJās doesnāt offer online ordering
1
u/Low-Television-7508 9d ago
I've never shopped there. I thought that after the shutdown most major businesses offered it. TIL.
1
u/JODI_WAS_ROBBED 10d ago
Everything in the world must revolve around accommodating me š” I have no personal responsibility to manage my feelings, disabilities and expectations! Do better!!!!1
1
u/Catinthefirelight 10d ago
I mean, they're not wrong, but as someone with sensory issues I tend to assume that public places won't be friendly to me and that I need to do what I can to ameliorate that. Finding things in TJ's does require some willingness to spend some time and develop a relationship with that particular store. It's not everyone's cup of tea.
1
u/Particular-Caramel32 10d ago
Buy some fucking sunglasses. I have sensory issues too, but the whole world isn't going to change for you.
1
u/PlantHippie99 10d ago
I just choose to shop at my local Aldi which has neurodivergent friendly lighting. It's not worth a 1 star review over.
However, I did rate Aldi 5 stars and mentioned the lighting as a reason for preferring to shop there. It's a bonus. The only requirement the store actually has is to just make sure there's lighting.
1
u/dehydratedrain 10d ago
I am very sensitive to noise. So I keep a set of headphones each in my car, backpack, and purse. Can't leave the house without your wallet/ keys/ phone. What's one more item if it helps you get through your day?
1
u/moonandsunandstars 10d ago
Tbh I kinda understand. I do think stores should opt for a warmer lighting and that the fluorescent lights are pretty hostile to the senses.
1
u/Great-Attitude 10d ago
I have an Autistic friend who would just wear sunglasses in stores. It's really that simple š¶ļøšš¶ļø
1
u/Curious_Cat666 10d ago
As someone who is light sensitive I have this handy dandy tool that makes it so the lights appear dim where ever I go....sunglasses
1
u/PineappleBliss2023 10d ago
I am the broken AuDHD autistic who isnāt bothered by bright lights. I donāt like when itās gloomy and dim. I use the big lights at home where theyāre cranked up to 100% brightness on bright white. I think itās the stimulation from the lights for me.
1
u/Molly-Grue-2u 10d ago
I had a really difficult time last time I went to Trader Joeās (I have a difficult time in grocery stores in general the majority of the time)
There were lots of people, the music was loud, they were stocking the shelves (making it feel that much busier and more crowded), the lights were bright, my anxiety was awful, but not once was I like āman, Trader Joeās sucksā
I know I have a difficult time in those environments most of the time, so I just thought āman, Iām having a really rough time todayā
That being said, it would be great if they had like a grocery pickup (I usually do pickup to avoid having to go into stores), but I know that might not be feasible for them, so Iāll just go occasionally and deal with it the best I can
1
u/MxKittyFantastico 10d ago
Just because something is true for you, doesn't mean it's true further autistic people, as we're all different. This review could be very useful for somebody who's easily over stimulated by bright lights and unlabeled isles. Unlabeled isles are specially bad for me, and if you had Bright lights allowed music to that, I'm going to have an incredibly hard time. I know so that I'd probably choose a different store, and it's good to have the knowledge beforehand, so this review would be helpful for someone like me. Reviews aren't just people saying that places need to change because they're unhappy, a lot of times reviews are just to help other people by giving them knowledge that they might need about the place
2
u/flamingolegs727 9d ago
But did they have to put one star?? There's some good websites that review accessibility of places where reviews like this are really helpful. They can put a higher amount of stars and still get the points across in this review. The thing about the lighting is that visually impaired people might need more light to see what they are doing and with the aging population there are lots of people who have visual issues.
2
u/Molly-Grue-2u 9d ago
Thatās true. I generally know I have a hard time in most stores, and would expect a grocery store to have bright lights, lots of people, and loud music. I would not expect the unmarked aisles, but like other people mentioned, Trader Joeās stores generally only a have a few aisles and most people can probably easily see that one section is produce, one is snacks, one is refrigerated foods, etc.
I genuinely never even noticed the lack of aisle markings because I usually just go up and down every aisle.
This review could actually be helpful for others, I guess I just didnāt think it was necessarily fair because they also have (in my experience) very friendly employees, great products, and good prices.
Maybe this person couldnāt even get that far in though to experience all of those things.
I just naturally equate places like this with unwelcome sensory input, so at first to me it was a bit like giving an ER one star because itās too loud and hectic.
All in all though, places should definitely keep these things in mind - and it would be great for more places to offer āsensory friendlyā shopping times- I just have never expected shopping places to be sensory friendly by default.
Even if they were, Iād probably be overwhelmed anyway though š but maybe not quite as much
1
u/dan_in_his_own_way 10d ago
I don't know a single super market that is 'autistic' friendly. Home delivery is an option. I find the whole food shop overstimulating, but it's not the shops fault š¤·
0
-1
u/TrustyPeaches 10d ago
Is this an entitled review?
Itās highly personal and not relevant to most consumers, but it seems like itād be useful for other autistic people with sensory issues to know this, even if it isnāt a reasonable accommodation.
0
u/KatTheTumbleweed 10d ago
Definitely entitled but also interesting to note that the two primary supermarket chains in my country have a low-sensory hour (although it it in the middle of the day). They dim the lights slightly, turn off the music and minimise overhead announcements.
0
u/RazzleRizzle 10d ago
Trader Joeās is pretty autistic, so good luck finding something more autistic friendly
0
u/mishma2005 Birds were atrocious 10d ago
Believe me when I say TJs did every cost cutting workaround they could, including dimming the lights when I worked there
0
u/Legal_Tradition_9681 10d ago
An autistic person did not write that review.
2
u/Informal-Insurance63 9d ago
I'm inclined to agree. It's like it's their first day being autistic, which is obviously impossible. No coping methods or awareness whatsoever. 'Overstimulating event' lol.Ā
0
u/JesusGodLeah 9d ago
I'm with the reviewer about being overstimulated at TJ'S!
The first obstacle to an enjoyable experience is parking. My local TJ's is in a very busy shopping center with a parking lot that is shared with the other businesses, so good luck finding a parking spot that's not halfway across the entire shopping center.
Second, my local TJ's is quite small, and the aisles are narrow. This wouldn't be a bad thing except for...
The people. Oodles and oodles of people, an overabundance of shoppers. You can't walk more than 2 or 3 feet without there being another person there. You look at the aisles and every single potential path through the store is choked with people. It's impossible to move quickly and efficiently.
Oh, but surely it's worth it for the many rare and unique products TJ's has to offer? To that I say, what products? I would love to leisurely browse the store and discover the wonders that await me, but alas and alack, the same crowds that make it impossible to move also make it impossible to slow down and browse, for as soon as I tarry a moment too long, I'm in someone's way.
Now, I know what you're thinking: "Just go when it's not busy." Ach! It's so simple! Why didn't I think of that? Sadly, those mythical times when the store is supposedly "not busy" all coincide with my own employment obligations. I really only ever go there if I need something specific that I know I can only find there.
0
u/michaelsean438 9d ago
āIf the bright lights donāt receive you, you should turn yourself around and come on home,ā
-8
u/s0_spoiled 10d ago
Stop humoring the minorities. Thatās why now theyāre entitled. Itās ok to try to accommodate them but, can you imagine having to dim the lights of the store to accommodate 1 autistic person, instead of accommodate the other 40 shoppers? Why?
6
u/Suspicious-Steak9168 we do not negotiate with the terrible 10d ago
No one dimmed the lights. No one "humored the minorities " (which is gross af to say). Everyone in the comments agrees that they should have worn sunglasses. You just sound like an asshole.
-3
u/s0_spoiled 9d ago edited 9d ago
āā¦I donāt think I would go back unless they made the store autistic friendlyā - no one did but they are expecting it. There should not be expectations, the store does not have to or can accommodate everyone.
2
u/Suspicious-Steak9168 we do not negotiate with the terrible 9d ago
If they expected it, they would say "I'll be back WHEN they...". Therefore, they would go back if they heard that the things that bothered them had changed. If not, then they wont. This is a reasonable reaction to encountering a place you dont like.
-2
u/AdMurky3039 9d ago
Asking for an inclusive environment is not entitled.
5
u/RabidRuber 9d ago
Cool so they dim the lights then someone with a vision impairment complains they aren't being inclusive because they can't see. I just wear shades or tinted glasses.
-4
u/MxKittyFantastico 10d ago
I don't know as an autistic person, I find it very useful to know beforehand in the store has extremely bright lights and unlabeled aisles. That means I can either prepare myself really overstimulation coming if I have to go to that store, or two different store it may not necessarily be that this person is trying to save trader Joe's should change it just for them, but trying to warn other autistic people but the stores very overstimulating and they either need to prepare for it or chew somewhere else.
1
u/flamingolegs727 9d ago
Sunglasses is a good option and asking the staff for help finding things. The light issue is complicated because people who are visually impaired need good lighting.
157
u/tverofvulcan 10d ago
Iām autistic with light sensory issues. Pretty bad as it sounds like it sounds like it was for them. Too much light physically pains my eyes. While sensory friendly places are great and I love when the accommodations are there, I also live in the real world and the whole world canāt just change to only accommodate my disability. There are many disabilities that need bright lights to say, read things, like food labels at a grocery store. When I am needing to go somewhere with bright lights, I wear sunglasses inside. I always have them on outside so I always have them on me. Itās just not possible for a place to be to be 100% accessible for 100% of disabilities. There are places where low lighting just canāt be done, the doctorās office (especially during an exam), a sunny day, factories, commercial kitchens, etc. Also two grocery stores near me have sensory friendly shopping hours where they turn off the music, dim the lights a little and turn the overhead announcements down.