Dundee retailer to open early for kids with sensory issues

A Dundee shoe store is looking to make school shopping for kids with sensory issues easier.

Schuh at the Overgate will open early once a week - exclusively for families who struggle with busy environments.

Manager Michelle Jamangile came up with the idea after one day out shopping with her 8-year-old autistic boy.

"After five minutes of trying to get him to open up we eventually couldn't stop him talking," she said.

"If the member of staff hadn't persevered and been so positive with him, it would have been a different outcome.

"As a parent you're really aware of what's going around you. It's no so much your children, you feel as if there's people watching and judging you.

"We just want to take this away from parents and give them and their kids a less stressful time."

The initiative will begin this Sunday from 9am till 11am with families able to book an appointment in advance.

"We would like people to call the store, you won't just be able to turn up as I need to make sure I've got the right number of staff for the customers that are coming," added Michelle.

"We want it to be quite relaxed. It's the environment we're setting for the children more than anything.

"We're only looking to book in around three or four families at a time."

Michelle posted the idea online, receiving hundreds of likes and comments from other parents.

"I've had people sending me private messages saying just how much it will help them," she said.

"There's not a lot of retailers that maybe quite understand what it can do to help these families."