Nearly three-quarters of people with physical disabilities in the Netherlands—73 percent—occasionally skip shopping trips because stores are insufficiently accessible, according to research by the Nationale Vereniging de Zonnebloem.
Ninety-One Percent Encounter Daily Obstacles
A staggering 91 percent of respondents report encountering problems while shopping. Common issues include narrow or crowded aisles, heavy entrance doors, high shelves, and a total lack of adapted restroom facilities. The absence of accessible toilets forces 31 percent of shoppers to rely on incontinence products, while 38 percent simply abandon their shopping trip and go home early.
Glen, who uses a wheelchair due to a rare medical condition, experiences these barriers firsthand. Customer service approaches also alienate disabled shoppers. Specifically, 42 percent of surveyed consumers report feeling dismissed or inadequately assisted by store personnel.
Low-Cost Solutions for Retailers
Making a store accessible does not require massive renovation budgets, according to the Zonnebloem. Modest investments can eliminate major hurdles. Simple additions such as a portable ramp for thresholds, an entrance call button, or a mobile debit card reader allow wheelchair users and other mobility-impaired customers to shop independently.
Common Questions About Store Accessibility
Why do shoppers skip retail visits?
Research by the Nationale Vereniging de Zonnebloem shows that 73 percent of physically disabled individuals skip shopping trips due to poor store accessibility, including narrow aisles and heavy doors.
How does a lack of toilets affect shoppers?
Without accessible restrooms, 31 percent of affected shoppers use incontinence products and 38 percent cut their shopping trips short to return home.
What affordable changes can stores make?
The Zonnebloem highlights low-cost fixes like threshold ramps, entrance bells, and mobile pin payment terminals as effective ways to improve accessibility.
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