Los Angeles, California – Employees at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods in the US are now equipped with body cameras as a measure to combat retail crime and violence towards workers. This move is part of a broader initiative among retailers to address issues such as theft and aggression in stores. Retailers are exploring various strategies, such as limiting self-checkout options, securing products in cabinets, and implementing restrictions on bags and exits to deter theft.
According to TJX, the parent company of the aforementioned retail stores, the implementation of body cameras started last year. The decision was made in response to concerns about escalating incidents of shoplifting and violence targeting employees. John Klinger, Chief Financial Officer at TJX, mentioned during an investor call that the cameras serve as a deterrent, promoting de-escalation in potentially tense situations where individuals are aware of being recorded.
The National Retail Federation has highlighted the role of organized retail crime rings in fueling theft and violence in retail environments. Many retailers have reported an increase in violent incidents involving organized retail crime offenders. In response to this trend, some retailers, including those in the US and abroad, are exploring the use of body-worn cameras as a security measure.
Although body cameras have gained popularity in some international markets, their effectiveness in reducing theft and violence remains uncertain. Despite the adoption of body cameras, reports from the British Retail Consortium show a rise in crime and violence against retail workers. The impact of body cameras on shrink – inventory losses from sources other than sales – at TJX stores is still being evaluated, with expectations of maintaining flat shrink levels compared to the previous year.
A spokesperson for TJX emphasized that employees wearing body cameras have undergone comprehensive training on their usage. The footage captured by these cameras is only shared with law enforcement upon request or in response to legal subpoenas. The primary goal of implementing body cameras is to strike a balance between protecting merchandise, ensuring a seamless shopping experience for customers, and maintaining a safe environment for all individuals in the stores. TJX continues to prioritize safety and security while adapting to evolving challenges in the retail landscape.