TJ Maxx and Marshalls workers are wearing police-like body cameras
Retail giant TJX, the parent of TJ Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods, said it’s equipping some store employees with body cameras to thwart shoplifting and keep customers and employees safe.
TJX finance chief John Klinger disclosed the body-camera initiative on an earnings call last month.
“It’s almost like a de-escalation, where people are less likely to do something when they’re being videotaped,” he said.
TJX isn’t alone.
In a survey of major chains by the National Retail Federation last year, 35% of US retailers said they were researching body cameras for employees.
The manufacturer of Taser devices and other security companies are now designing and marketing body cameras specifically for retail workers.
Although retailers say they’re looking to cut down on costly merchandise loss and keep stores safe, outfitting workers with body cameras may do little to stop shoplifting, some criminologists say.
Worker advocates say improved training, better staffing levels in stores and other safety investments will go further to protect frontline workers and reduce shoplifting.
