Our approach helps everyday spaces feel kinder, calmer, and easier to navigate for all.
The way we move through the world shapes how we feel. We work closely with our partners to make everyday spaces kinder, calmer, and easier to use. Our approach is simple, thoughtful, and rooted in real-life experience.
We start with people, not with checklists. Everything we do begins by listening to those who face the biggest challenges.
It's designed around ease
We help make small, practical changes that are easy to adopt and make a lasting impact. This means no expensive overhauls or complex systems.
It's a shared journey
We work together as partners to create environments that feel welcoming and inclusive for everyone.
Our process
We have a hands-on approach
Our approach is on the ground, collaborative, and shaped by real human needs. This is how we do it.
01.
Listen
We start by listening to the people who know the space best to understand the daily experience, spotting the pressure points, and learning what already helps or hinders someone’s visit.
02.
Observe
We spend time in the environment, noticing how people move, where they pause, and how the atmosphere feels.
03.
Pilot
We run a short pilot, led by the business and shaped by what we've heard. We help you implement thoughtful adjustments to see what works in practice.
04.
Plan
Following the pilot, we design a simple plan that looks at what worked and what should be adjusted. This becomes a practical, scalable approach that fits your space.
05.
Support
We stay involved for as long as we’re needed, to help ensure that the small changes lead to lasting impact.
Where our story begins.
Why this works
Our approach is based on real-life experiences
Our founder, Katherine Vero spent months observing people in shopping environments, and Slow Shopping was born out of her personal experience.
During these observations it was found that turning down music, offering clearer signage and more seating, as well as adjusting lighting can have a profound impact on those who experience difficulty in these spaces. These aren’t big changes, but they create a feeling of safety, respect, and freedom to move independently through your space.
When that happens, they’re not just more likely to return, they’re more likely to feel seen. The approach started with shops and supermarkets and has now evolved to include, cultural spaces, building societies, and offices.
Real stories of impact from our partners, investors, and the people who we do this all for.
Anonymous
Carer
I took my older autistic son to Newcastle Building society. He was able to open his own account for the first time as he felt calmer and not hurried. The staff at Newcastle Building Society were wonderful. I feel so relieved.
Anonymous
Carer
I took my older parent to a supermarket ' my mum was able to sit down, you can't understand how much this helped' this is great.
Clive
Slow shopper
Being partially sighted, I haven’t been to Wagamama in years and now Slow Shopping is here we can’t wait to come back.
Joanne
Partner
For over 8 years North East Museums have been working with Slow Shopping - we strive to support those who live with visible, invisible, intellectual or cognitive disability as well as their families and carers.
Miho
Supporter
Observing Slow Shopping in Bath, UK, in 2018 was eye-opening. It's now a cornerstone in my social design lectures at Japanese universities, showcasing thoughtful, inclusive design and this movement offers crucial lessons in prioritising well-being.
Leslie
Slow shopper
I love Slow Shopping because I have gained confidence and independence when I go out shopping.
Helen
Carer
I took my mother to Wagamama in Newcastle - we really enjoyed our meal, it felt calm and the customer service was great. We liked it without the music as we could talk to each other.
Support Slow Shopping
We believe inclusion is everyone’s business.
Whether you're looking to fund, support, or spread the word, you can help create change.
