Essential guide: Shopping as a wheelchair user
Make shopping easier as a wheelchair user with experts advice on your rights, accessibility features and planning – written by young wheelchair users.
Shopping is a necessity for some and a pleasure for others. Accessibility can be a problem for wheelchair users. but with a bit of research and planning, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy a bit of retail therapy like anyone else.
In this guide we’ll cover:
- Things to consider before you set off for a shopping trip
- How to find accessible shopping destinations
- How to get support and plan your trip
- Top shopping tips from other wheelchair users
Shopping for clothes and leisure
Most shopping centres across the UK are accessible. But there are some that still have some work to do, say our experts.
You can learn about your local shopping centre’s access and facilities by checking out their website.
There are some resources that can help. AccessAble’s website, for example, has a comprehensive search facility that allows you to filter by your access to find a centre that meets your needs.
Inside many clothing shops, the layout isn’t always wheelchair user friendly. Clothing can be high up, on hard-to-reach rails, or rails might be tightly packed. This can make selecting items and navigating aisles a bit harder.
If you’re struggling to access items, don’t be afraid to ask staff for help. That’s what they’re there for.
If it’s your first time visiting somewhere and you’re worried, take a friend or a family member with you who can help.
Many shops do not have accessible changing rooms. This means trying on items can be a bit of a trial. Thankfully, you can return items to most stores – as long as you keep the receipt!
If there’s somewhere you especially want to visit then call ahead to find out how accessible their changing rooms are.
Food & grocery shopping
All supermarkets should have trolleys that you can use with a wheelchair.
The ShopMobility website, where you can search your local shopping centre and find out what kit they have.
Some supermarkets offer quiet or relaxed shopping hours when they turn off music, lower the lights and reduce the numbers of people in-store.
You’ll need to check the supermarket website or ask your local store to see if they offer this service.
Plan your trip
It’s worth doing a little planning and preparation before heading out to the shops
Here are some ways you can ensure your shopping trips are successful:
- Do your research: Look online to check the accessibility of the place you want to visit.
- Plan your travel: Work out how you’ll get to your chosen shopping centre or store. Is it easily accessible via public transport? Is there step-free access between the bus/train stop and the entrance? Alternatively, is there accessible parking nearby? Most shopping centres offer free parking for Blue Badge holders but spaces might be limited, so it’s worth finding out in advance. If you’re shopping in a city centre, is the terrain wheelchair-friendly, or will you have to navigate cobble-stoned streets to get there?
- Ask for support: If you have specific access needs, contact the shopping centre or store to find out what support is available and whether there are any staff who can help you on the day.
- Find the best time to visit: If being caught in a crowd is likely to cause stress for you, think about visiting at a less busy time if you can. Most shopping centres tend to get busy mid-morning, so avoiding those times might make shopping more pleasant.
Top shopping tips from our Youth Board
Here are some useful shopping tips from other wheelchair users:
- Think about storage: If you have a lot of things to buy or you’re feeling like a big spender, consider how you’ll transport your goodies home. Instead of trying to balance everything on your lap, see if there are baskets that can slot under the seat of your chair, or custom bags to fit over the back of it. If you’re not quite ready to invest in custom bags, a well-proportioned tote bag that hangs neatly on the back could do the trick.
- Plan breaks: Shopping is fun but it can also be an overwhelming sensory experience for some people. Try to plan in little breaks. Our experts recommend you pace yourself, and stop for a snack and relax.
- Bag your items: If you’re shopping for a specific item, it can help to call ahead and ensure that item is in stock. In some cases, stores can reserve items for you, or you can order ahead online to collect in store and then return it there and then if you don’t like it in person. Always check the store’s returns policy if you intend to do this.
Round up
A little research, planning and preparation can ensure your shopping experiences are fun and successful, not frustrating failures.
Here’s a reminder of what we’ve covered:
- Check facilities at the shops before setting off.
- Plan your travel to ensure the most direct route and easiest access.
- Consider shopping at less busy times to minimise stress.
- Ask for support if you need it and be kind to yourself when out and about, planning in breaks and stops if you need to.
Useful links
- AccessAble Access Guides: search across the UK and filter by accessibility symbols to find out if the venue you want to visit meets your requirements
- ShopMobility UK: find your local centre
- Scope: Help doing your shopping
