BRC, ACS, Usdaw and Retail Trust urge people to shop kind this Christmas amid rise in retail crime
The British Retail Consortium (BRC), Associated Convenience Stores (ACS), Usdaw and Retail Trust are calling on the public to take a stand with them against violence and abuse towards retail workers, and ‘shop kind’ this Christmas.
They note that incidents, which can include everything from threats with weapons and physical assaults to racial slurs, take a severe toll on the physical and mental health of victims, who return to work day after day wondering whether they will be targeted again.
And it’s not just those working in stores: delivery drivers also face abuse and physical violence in their day to day. With up to a third of all retail sales being made online in the run up to Christmas, delivery drivers will be busier, and more exposed than ever. A recent Usdaw survey showed that in the last 12 months, more than three quarters of delivery drivers had been a victim of abuse, and over one in ten had been assaulted.
The implementation of the Crime and Policing Bill is edging closer and retailers hope that it will play a vital role in granting additional legal protections for retail workers by introducing a standalone offence for assaulting a retail worker. This would increase sentencing, stiffen deterrents, and improve the visibility of violence against retail workers so that police can allocate the necessary resources to tackle this blight.
It is currently unclear if the bill will apply to all people working in customer facing roles, as is the case in Scotland. The BRC is calling on the government to ensure that the final act ensures the extension of protections to delivery drivers.
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive at the BRC, says: “Christmas should be a time for everyone. Retail colleagues are working incredibly hard to keep shelves stocked, serve customers and deliver gifts. Abuse or violence of any kind is simply unacceptable and we ask the public to stand with us in the fight against retail crime and shop kind this Christmas.”
James Lowan, Chief Executive at ACS, says: “Colleagues across the industry work incredibly hard to serve their communities, yet far too many continue to face violence, abuse and intimidation for simply doing their jobs. This festive season, we are reminding everyone that colleagues are doing their very best to make this time of year special for us all. Please shop with kindness, patience and respect.”
Joanne Thomas, General Secretary of Usdaw, says: “The run-up to Christmas is always a really busy time for retail workers, as customers can be stressed and things can boil over. Retail staff are people too, they will be working really hard to make the customer experience as enjoyable as possible and deserve respect.”
“Many will go home after a shift upset about an unpleasant incident that took place at work and worried that it will happen to them again. That is why Usdaw, the retail trade union, is asking customers to ‘keep your cool’, so that everyone can have a happier Christmas.”
Chris Brook-Carter, Chief Executive at Retail Trust, says:“We all have a role to play in restoring kindness and respect to retail and this starts with something as simple as a greeting, a thank you or a smile when shopping this Christmas.”
“Even the smallest acts of recognition can make a huge difference to people who tell us they are being ignored, disrespected and shouted at every day, and who are dreading Christmas because that’s when abuse and violence peaks.”
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
Retail security was a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.
We received a record number of entries and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.
For a full rundown of all of the shortlisted entries, click here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC in Central London on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
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