Security workers at select TJ Maxx stores may now be equipped with police-style body cameras, potentially increasing safety measures for shoppers.
During an earnings call late last month, TJX, the company that operates TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods, revealed that it implemented a measure to combat shoplifting. The move was made at the end of last year, as part of the company’s efforts to reduce instances of theft.
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According to Chief Financial Officer John Klinger, when someone enters the premises and sees a surveillance camera, it tends to have a calming effect, and they are less likely to engage in any disruptive behavior. “It’s almost like a de-escalation where people are less likely to do something when they’re being videotaped,” Klinger stated during a discussion with Wall Street analysts.
According to the National Retail Federation’s 2023 survey, over a third of retailers have been exploring the use of body-worn cameras to prevent theft, and 11% of them have even started testing or piloting the technology. TJX, which has a vast network of over 4,900 stores in nine countries, is among the retailers turning to cameras as a means of deterrence.
According to a spokesperson from TJX, the retail chain has started using body cameras in select stores belonging to its various brands in the last year. The company has also taken measures to ensure the safety of its stores by implementing policies and providing training to its employees.
According to the spokesperson, some loss prevention associates have received comprehensive training on how to effectively utilize body cameras in their roles. The video footage captured by these cameras is only shared when law enforcement makes a request or a subpoena is issued. The hope is that these body cameras will aid in de-escalating incidents, discouraging criminal activity, and showing both associates and customers that safety in stores is of the utmost importance.
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), losses in the retail industry due to theft and other factors, collectively known as “shrink” or shrinkage, surpassed $112 billion in 2022. This figure represents 1.6% of total retail sales and is up from the previous year’s losses of roughly $94 billion, or 1.4% of total retail sales. Shrinkage can encompass a range of losses, including those resulting from improper scanning of merchandise, vendor fraud, and fraudulent product returns.
According to a recent study conducted by a non-partisan think tank in November, incidents of shoplifting in 24 U.S. metropolitan areas, excluding New York City, decreased approximately 7% during the first half of 2023 when compared to the same period in 2019.
During the span of four years, the city of New York experienced a significant surge in shoplifting cases, with a staggering 64% increase. Following closely behind was Los Angeles with a 61% rise. However, in contrast, certain cities witnessed a sharp decline, with incidents of shoplifting dropping by 78% and 65% in St. Petersburg, Fla., and St. Paul, Minn., respectively, as reported by the group.
