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Trader Joe’s enlists app to assist autistic customers

MagnusCards guides users through shopping experience

Russell Redman

April 5, 2021

2 Min Read
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Via digital “Card Decks,” MagnusCards helps developmentally disabled customers at Trader Joe's navigate shopping tasks and activities via visual and audio cues and step-by-step instructions.Magnusmode

Trader Joe’s is employing an app to help people with cognitive and intellectual disabilities shop for groceries.

Monrovia, Calif.-based Trader Joe’s said Friday that it has partnered with Magnusmode, a Toronto-based provider of solutions for the autism and disability communities, to offer MagnusCards, a free app that guides autistic and developmentally disabled customers through the shopping experience.

The specialty grocer noted that it’s the first supermarket to provide Magnusmode’s app.

“Creating a positive and inclusive shopping experience is our utmost priority, so we’re thrilled to be able to offer our customers this wonderful tool,” Kenya Friend-Daniel, spokeswoman for Trader Joe’s, said in a statement. “It’s a tremendous opportunity to further support our customers and their caregivers.”

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Trader Joe’s is providing five Card Decks under the app's "Shopping" section, including “Checking Out Your Items” and “Sensory Experiences in the Store.” 

 

Through digital “Card Decks,” MagnusCards uses visual cues and step-by-step instructions, with optional audio enhancement, to help developmentally disabled shoppers navigate tasks and activities that might feel challenging or overwhelming. Trader Joe’s said it’s offering five Card Decks within the app, with each deck focusing on an aspect of the Trader Joe’s shopping experience, such as “Checking Out Your Items” and “Sensory Experiences in the Store.”

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“Grocery stores can be challenging places for individuals with autism, but the basic necessity of buying food and the simple pleasure of selecting what you plan to eat is vital for all people,” said Nadia Hamilton, founder and president of Magnusmode, whose U.S. office is in Buffalo, N.Y. “Trader Joe’s MagnusCards provide support for a critical skill set that everyone needs and a fun experience that everyone deserves.”

MagnusCards by Magnusmode can be downloaded at no charge from the Apple App Store and Google Play. Trader Joe’s said its MagnusCards are located in the app’s “Shopping" section. Magnusmode offers a dozen MagnusCards Card Decks, including Leisure, Money, Safety, Shopping, Food, Cleaning, Health, Social, Personal Care, Travel, Attractions and School/Work.

Trader Joe’s announced its collaboration with Magnusmode on World Autism Day (April 2) and in tandem with Autism Acceptance Month, which is held in April. Overall, the specialty grocer operates more than 515 stores in 42 states and Washington, D.C.

About the Author

Russell Redman

Senior Editor
Supermarket News

Russell Redman has served as senior editor at Supermarket News since April 2018, his second tour with the publication. In his current role, he handles daily news coverage for the SN website and contributes news and features for the print magazine, as well as participates in special projects, podcasts and webinars and attends industry events. Russ joined SN from Racher Press Inc.’s Chain Drug Review and Mass Market Retailers magazines, where he served as desk/online editor for more than nine years, covering the food/drug/mass retail sector. 

Russell Redman’s more than 30 years of experience in journalism span a range of editorial manager, editor, reporter/writer and digital roles at a variety of publications and websites covering a breadth of industries, including retailing, pharmacy/health care, IT, digital home, financial technology, financial services, real estate/commercial property, pro audio/video and film. He started his career in 1989 as a local news reporter and editor, covering community news and politics in Long Island, N.Y. His background also includes an earlier stint at Supermarket News as center store editor and then financial editor in the mid-1990s. Russ holds a B.A. in journalism (minor in political science) from Hofstra University, where he also earned a certificate in digital/social media marketing in November 2016.

Russell Redman’s experience:

Supermarket News - Informa
Senior Editor 
April 2018 - present

Chain Drug Review/Mass Market Retailers - Racher Press
Desk/Online Editor 
Sept. 2008 - March 2018

CRN magazine - CMP Media
Managing Editor
May 2000 - June 2007

Bank Systems & Technology - Miller Freeman
Executive Editor/Managing Editor
Dec. 1996 - May 2000

Supermarket News - Fairchild Publications
Financial Editor/Associate Editor
April 1995 - Dec. 1996 

Shopping Centers Today Magazine - ICSC 
Desk Editor/Assistant Editor
Dec. 1992 - April 1995

Testa Communications
Assistant Editor/Contributing Editor (Music & Sound Retailer, Post, Producer, Sound & Communications and DJ Times magazines)
Jan. 1991 - Dec. 1992 

American Banker/Bond Buyer
Copy Editor
Oct. 1990 - Jan. 1991 

This Week newspaper - Chanry Communications
Reporter/Editor
May 1989 - July 1990

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