A gentler way to shop: Midsummer Place rolls out free sensory bags for visitors who need a calmer experience

If you’ve ever felt that familiar rush of noise, lights and movement in a busy shopping centre (and let’s be honest, who hasn’t?), you’ll know how overwhelming it can be. For shoppers with sensory sensitivities or additional needs, that feeling can be dialled up to ten — which is exactly why Midsummer Place has stepped in with a little helping hand.

On Purple Tuesday — the global day dedicated to improving the customer experience for disabled people — the Milton Keynes centre launched its brand-new Sensory Bags, offering a simple but meaningful way to make the shopping environment more comfortable for anyone who might struggle with overload.

And here’s the best part: they’re completely free to borrow.

Each bag is packed with thoughtful items designed to ease the stress of a bustling environment — think fidget toys for grounding, noise-cancelling ear defenders to soften the soundscape, and calming sensory aids to help make the space feel more manageable. They’re available to borrow during your visit by chatting to a member of the Midsummer Place team or giving them a ring on 01908 557000.

There is a small deposit required, but it’s fully refunded once the bag is returned. Simple, supportive, and reassuring.

Purple Tuesday champions accessibility across all sectors, encouraging businesses to create spaces where disabled customers feel genuinely welcomed. By choosing this day to launch the Sensory Bags, Midsummer Place has made a clear statement: inclusion isn’t a box-ticking exercise — it’s part of how they want to operate every single day.

Simon Martin, General Manager at Midsummer Place, summed it up beautifully: “We’re committed to ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and included when visiting Midsummer Place. Launching our sensory bags on Purple Tuesday is an important step in helping to make our centre a more supportive space for shoppers with additional needs. This initiative reflects our ongoing effort to create an environment where everyone can enjoy their visit with confidence and ease.”

(And honestly? That sense of ease is something we could all use a little more of.)

The sensory bags can be collected by contacting the number displayed on signage throughout the centre or by speaking directly to a team member. Whether you’re tackling the Christmas shopping list or just popping in for a quick browse, these bags are there to help make your visit smoother and more comfortable.

Shopping might be everyday, but for many, it isn’t easy. With small, thoughtful changes like these sensory bags, Midsummer Place is showing how a local centre can lead the way in making public spaces feel kinder, calmer, and much more inclusive.

If you’re planning a trip — especially with the festive season creeping up — you can check out the latest event details and updates at their website.