Helping more of us enjoy our great High Street
Slow Shopping provides dedicated shopping times for those that find going shopping a challenge. This includes those of us living with physical or cognitive disabilities, visible or invisible.
- Have you ever wanted to take a short rest while shopping?
- Wouldn’t it be easier if supermarket shopping was quieter and calmer?
- How much better would it be if you feel less rushed with staff who understand that you need more time?
- How good would it be if staff were trained to be aware of customers who may need some additional support in subtle ways?
SMART Cranleigh is working in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and supermarkets to develop Slow Shopping in the village which we hope will start in the Autumn. Funded by retailers and Surrey County Council, our aim is to provide more support for people on one morning or afternoon every week. This will involve training supermarkets and those shops that participate to make very small changes that will improve the shopping experience for those experiencing difficulties.
Slow Shopping aims to reduce the number of isolated people by encouraging them to more confidently shop, knowing there will be someone with more patience and understanding. We already know that the state of pavements, having a place to sit and find a loo nearby are also important.
We hope this will encourage more people living in and around Cranleigh to come into the village High Street, confident in the quality of customer care and kindness, that makes all the difference. Activities such as a leisurely trip to the shops, a coffee with friends or a visit to the Arts Centre’s free exhibitions can be the first steps to a healthier and fulfilling life. We know that many Cranleigh shops are already doing a great job with some inspiring stories about the lengths many staff have gone to, but we can do better!
Together, we must find new solutions to reduce and prevent unnecessary everyday struggles. Slow Shopping will help both the customers and the retailers, recognising the uniqueness of the High Street. Although Slow Shopping is being rolled out across England, Cranleigh would be the first community in Surrey to bring SLOW shopping to its high street.
SMART Cranleigh is also developing a Community Directory and Calendar. Please do drop into Oliver House Community Point to have a sit down, coffee and chat and find out more about what is going on.
Slow Shopping – Making Cranleigh a true destination. Come along and find out more! 
There will be training sessions available for businesses and other interested organisations on 11th September. More information from:
