Many shops these days seem to be missing a simple but essential amenity in their changing rooms: chairs.
While this might seem like a minor inconvenience to some, it poses a significant challenge for many shoppers, including older adults, people with disabilities, and anyone who needs to sit down while trying on clothes. Like me!
When I put on pants, I generally need to remove my prosthetic leg. I take off the prosthetic (with attached shoe), pull on the pants, and then put my prosthetic leg back on. Quite often, I don’t need to do that while wearing shorts, but I definitely need to do that while wearing long pants. And that’s why a chair is preferable to hopping around on one leg.
I noticed this “lack of chairs” again today when I called in to my local Vinnies. I was only trying on shirts today, so it wasn’t so much of an issue. But a few months ago at the same store, I wanted to try on pants. And there were no chairs to be found, so one of the assistants had to go and find one out the back. I mentioned this to the guy at the shop and he said he would pass it on to the manager.
In the last few months I can recall a few occasions where I’ve needed to ask for a chair, and the shop assistant has had to go out the back. On one occasion, they didn’t actually have a chair out the back, and had to go to a neighbouring shop to borrow one.
I’m not sure why this change towards a more minimalist look has occurred, or maybe I just haven’t noticed it before this?
I also need to sit down when I go to the swimming pool and need to change in and out of my boardies.
Beyond accessibility, providing seating in changing rooms simply makes good business sense. It allows customers to take their time, try on clothes comfortably, and ultimately make more informed purchasing decisions. A chair can be a small but powerful tool in creating a positive and inclusive shopping experience for everyone.
It’s a small change that can make a big difference in creating a welcoming and accessible environment for everyone.
Post Script
I shared this post with some friends on Facebook, some of whom are amputees, but most of whom are not, and there was a strong response. This is a summary of the responses.
Key points:
- Amputees need to sit down to try on pants: This is especially true for above-knee amputees, and even below-knee amputees often find it easier.
- Many stores lack seating in changing rooms: This forces amputees to find workarounds, shop online, or give up on trying clothes on altogether.
- This is seen as discrimination: Commenters feel that stores should provide seating as a basic accommodation for people with disabilities.
- Lack of awareness: Many people don’t realize this is an issue, including shop designers and staff.
- Wider problem of inadequate seating: The lack of seating in public spaces is a problem for many people, including the elderly and those with other mobility issues.
Proposed solutions:
- Provide seating in changing rooms: This is seen as the most straightforward solution.
- Shop online: This is a convenient option for many, but doesn’t allow for trying things on before purchasing.
- Bring your own chair: One commenter jokingly suggests bringing a folding camping chair.
I need chairs everywhere. I can’t stand for long. I am sure you need more chairs than I do. Myer changing rooms have nice chairs.
I shared this story on Facebook, Andrew, and received lots of responses about how this applies equally to most older people. I mentioned this at work as a possible story and a colleague told me she did a radio interview about this a couple of years ago. She said she too had noticed the disappearing chairs from change rooms, and had tried to figure what was going on. She said many “disability toilets” were being transformed into storage cupboards. She said it was a really big issue that is not often spoken about. Thanks for the tip about Myer. A tip for the next time you come to Sydney – the toilets at The Hilton (near the QVB light rail stop) are excellent. Nobody uses them. But you just go into The Hilton on George Street, take the lift to the first floor, turn right, and then turn right again. Everyone using the lift is a guest and they get off at different floors. So going up just one level, you’re guaranteed a lovely place to spend a penny.