Retail staff have completed specialist training to become the first store in Essex able to guide shoppers with sight loss.
Fenwick, a department store in Colchester, achieved the status through a partnership with Guide Dogs.
Staff can now provide ‘sighted guiding’ support using best-practice techniques.
Tadeja Zajec, sighted guide training officer at Guide Dogs, said: "It's been so rewarding working with the team at Fenwick, and watching the pairs grow in confidence whilst practising guiding each other.
"Sighted guiding can make a huge difference to people with sight loss.
"So it’s great to know that, following Guide Dogs’ training, staff here are equipped and ready to offer the support to any customer who might need it – as well as people in their local communities.
"Our shops and all public spaces should be accessible for everyone to enjoy."
The training involved practical exercises with eye masks. Staff guided each other around the shop floor, navigating product displays, rails, and tills, while providing visual descriptions of the space and items for blindfolded colleagues.
The aim was to help them understand the experience of shoppers with sight loss.
A UK-wide survey by Guide Dogs highlighted the need for such support, with 48 per cent of respondents saying more sighted guiding in shops would be beneficial.
Elizabeth Wilby, divisional sales manager at Fenwick Colchester, said: "Fenwick Colchester was delighted to host the Guide Dogs team for a truly enlightening training session in-store for a selection of colleagues.
"The techniques and skills shared will help assist customers with sight-loss needing support in-store."
Staff from across the store took part, including those from menswear, womenswear, toys, concierge and security services.
The charity says raising awareness and building confidence in guiding helps create more inclusive and accessible public spaces.
Guide Dogs offers sighted guide training to communities, businesses, and individuals supporting people with sight loss.
Guide Dogs also covers the legal access rights of guide dog owners during training.
Founded in 1934, Guide Dogs supports the two million people in the UK living with sight loss, helping them to live more independent and active lives.
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