On Tuesday, 13th November, it was the launch day for Purple Tuesday which is an initiative to improve the shopping experience for our disabled customers - both physically and emotionally.

Five of our Shopping Centres proudly participated: Idlewells Shopping Centre, Sutton-in-Ashfield; Middleton Shopping Centre, near Manchester; Clyde Shopping Centre, Clydebank, Ladysmith Shopping Centre, Ashton-under-Lyne and Market Gates Shopping Cente, Great Yarmouth.

All music was turned off and hand dryers were replaced with paper towels to enhance the experience. Staff wore purple ties, polos and lanyards.

Our team at Ladysmith Shopping Centre got very involved - our Assistant Centre Manager, Sam Robinson, provided helpful Autism Awareness training to the staff, tenants and even their Neighbourhood Police. Ladysmith and Middleton have arranged a Specialist Autism Services Lego Bricks collection box as part of their Sensory Shopping project which launched earlier this year. There was no shortage of purple bows, posters, guides and decorations from our on site teams.

The day was a great success and received some wonderful feedback so going forward, some for the Centres will be implementing Quiet Hours on certain days every week to raise awareness.