NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Violence toward retail workers is rising across the country, according to new research.
A recent study from the Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC) showed that 40% of retail workers are likely to leave their current jobs in the next 12 months due to personal safety concerns, while 54% of retail workers have experienced or witnessed aggressive behavior/threats from customers.
It’s a widespread and seemingly growing problem. Experts say in the south, it’s worst than you would probably imagine.
“I’ll be honest with you, we were a little surprised to see the respondents that were located in the south were a little more nervous,” explained Read Hayes, Executive Director for LPRC and a research professor at the University of Florida.
“In the south we saw about 40% of the respondents, and it was quite a few participants in the study, saying ‘you know what, I’m leaving. I’m leaving retail in the south.’ On the west coast, we saw just over a quarter [26%],” said Hayes.
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According to Hayes, a core reason for retail anxiety in the south is, “not enough police officers and deputy sheriffs to respond and take action.” As a result, the problem likely won’t dissipate in 2025.
“We’re going to see increases [in 2025] in frequency, and we’re going to see an increasing adaptation by the offender; they’re going to morph,” added Hayes.
It’s no surprise that retail workers are leaving their jobs for less hectic environments. However, what can retailers and business owners do to keep their employees amid the chaos?
Aside from locking certain inventory up, Hayes believes visuals can send a strong message.
“Signage can play a large role. It needs to be visible, it needs to keep changing the message, but at the end of the day it lets people know: stealing or being aggressive here is a crime and we’re going to get your information and we’re going to pursue this,” he explained.
In Nashville, Metro police recently created an “Organized Retail Crime Unit” and deployed them on Black Friday.
Hayes said a “complete picture” of retail crime is still needed, meaning there has to be more reporting by retailers of these incidents, and more communication with law enforcement.
“You need to know what’s going on, where it’s happening; who, what, where, when, why and share that intel,” he concluded.
