In a slightly dystopian turn of events, TJ Maxx, Homegoods, and Marshalls store workers are being equipped with body cameras to discourage shoplifters from targeting the store. Thankfully, not all retail workers are required to wear body cameras. Instead, the TJX companies are assigning shoplifting cameras to their “loss prevention associates,” who are essentially unarmed security guards who are meant to protect the merchandise at the stores. The concept of body cameras for retail loss prevention is gaining popularity as retailers look into how they can better identify those who steal from their outlets.

Some experts in the field suggest this practice may have limited applications and it also brings up the conversation of excessive surveillance at work, however, it does seem to be the primary way forward for many employers.

Some TJ Maxx and Marshalls Store Workers Are Now Wearing Body Cameras

The TJX companies’ shoplifting cameras are a valid choice in the face of rising crimes within stores where people are becoming more creative about how they whisk products away. According to CNN, the idea of outfitting retail workers with body cameras was discussed by TJX finance chief John Klinger during an earnings call. The retail shoplifting prevention strategy was intended to de-escalate situations and discourage people from doing anything unwanted when they realize they would be caught on tape. 

The National Retail Foundation, conducted the Retail Security Survey in 2023, surveying 177 retail brands that represented more than 97,000 retail locations across the country and covered 28 different retail sectors. According to the study, external thefts accounted for 36 percent of their inventory shrinkage while internal thefts caused 29 percent of their shrink loss. The rest of the inventory losses were calculated by process failures and other unknown issues. 

The respondents also shared their views on the most successful security measures in mitigating external losses. These included, “CCTV and video systems; locking cases, lock boxes, and cages; exception-based reporting systems/programs; LP staffing; enhanced, upgraded or integrated CCTV systems; off-duty officers; automatic pushout prevention systems; computer-based or virtual training for employees; awareness campaigns for employees; and collaboration with retail partners, law enforcement and prosecutors.”

Approximately one-third of respondents (35 percent) were researching technologies like body cameras for retail loss prevention at their stores. Other technology like AI and RFID are also being explored but the surveillance measures are what have caught our attention as TJ Maxx and Marshall store workers don their body cameras.

Do All Retail Workers Have to Wear Body Cameras?

The news of TJ Maxx and Marshalls store workers wearing body cameras has unsettled a few people but not all workers will be required to use them. The loss prevention associates who are trained to be on guard and protect the store will be required to wear them. It is also important to note that only law enforcement officers and legal representatives with the required documents will be able to view the footage recorded. 

In most retail outlets, workers are regularly discouraged from challenging shoplifters or chasing them to retrieve stolen goods. Under such circumstances, having body cam footage of the incident of the offending shoppers could be useful and the store could then keep an eye on repeat offenders.

The Era of Constant Surveillance Is Upon Us

This system of retail workers with body cameras has generated different reactions. Some wonder how these cameras are better than general cameras across the store as they will only capture the limited ground that the loss prevention personnel can see. The Marshalls store workers’ body cameras are restricted to a few workers, but it might also kick start the trend of all workers being constantly surveyed by their employers, creating an uncomfortable work environment for them. Excessively tracking employees and watching them too closely can affect their productivity and employees have never appreciated such attention.

An AI company, NeuroSpot, recently went viral when a post about their AI surveillance within a coffee shop was shared online. The AI company can be installed in a store and it uses “intelligent” analytics to track various metrics within the store. From table occupancy rates to the number of drinks an employee makes, the AI tool can calculate different points within the space it is surveilling. While there are more critical uses of the tool like detecting concealed weapons, noting when a patient at a hospice wanders off, or when a repeat offender enters the business premises, it is the technology that needs to be used carefully.

The Marshalls store workers’ body cameras are only one example of the changes taking place in the workplace. As more retailers and businesses adopt this strategy, they need to ensure they do it carefully so as to avoid crossing any boundaries with their employees and customers. 

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