Wegmans Helps Families with Special Needs Enjoy Shopping

Wegmans Food Markets now offer families who have young children with mobility restrictions a safer, easier way to grocery shop together with introduction of a specially adapted cart, the Firefly GoTo Shop. 

The carts are designed by Leckey, a globally recognized manufacturer of mobility equipment for children and young people, and manufactured through US cart supplier, Peggs. This initiative is making Wegmans the first retailer in the US to offer the cart in all its stores.

“At Wegmans, we are committed to providing incredible customer service to all our shoppers, and we’re always looking for better ways to make our stores accessible to everyone,” commented Wegmans’ Community Relations Manager, Linda Lovejoy. “When Liza Rudroff, a consumer at our Alberta Drive store in Buffalo, N.Y., brought this cart to our attention and shared her family’s need, we recognized that there are more families, throughout all our market areas, who would benefit from the availability of this cart at our stores.” 

The GoTo Shop is designed for children ages two to eight (or up to 77 pounds) who require extra postural and head support. The cart features an open front allowing users to easily place their child in the seat, adjustable head and lateral supports, and a fully-adjustable, cushioned five-point harness.

“Now, I can comfortably and safely take Syd grocery shopping with me, whether it’s a planned trip or last-minute decision to stop on the way home from school,” said Rudroff. “Going to the store immerses Syd in the community and gives her the opportunity to engage with others, explore the sights and sounds, and learn how to shop. It’s a great life experience for her, that is now effort-less and worry-free for me.”