Currys joins #ShopKind Week campaign focused on rising level of retail crime and aggression towards employees

UK omnichannel technology and electrical retailer, Currys, has announced its support for #ShopKind Week, a retail industry campaign coordinated by the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) on behalf of the UK Home Office that is responding to the growing problem of abuse and violence toward shopworkers.

Throughout #ShopKind Week, which runs from Monday 30th June to Friday 4th July, Currys will join other retailers and trade bodies, alongside the Home Office, in raising awareness of the scale and impact of abuse and violence towards shopworkers.

#ShopKind posters will be shared with stores across the UK so that they can be displayed on the shop floor to raise public awareness, and in back of house areas to support colleagues’ awareness.

The call to action comes at a time when retail crime is at its highest level on record, with an increase of over 50% in incidents of retail violence and abuse to more than 2,000 a day, according to the British Retail Consortium’s latest Annual Crime Survey.

Responding to this, Currys recently announced its largest ever annual investment in store safety measures, including the roll-out of VoCoVo headsets to all UK&I stores to ensure colleagues stay better connected, and therefore safer, on the shop floor.

Lindsay Haselhurst, Chief Operating Officer at Currys, says: “The rising level of retail crime and aggression towards retail workers is unacceptable. Effectively tackling this issue requires collaboration between retailers, law enforcement, and the Government, which is why we’re delighted to be supporting #ShopKind Week."

Matthew Speight, Director of Stores at Currys, says: “We’re proud to be part of an industry-wide campaign to highlight the importance of treating retail workers with the respect they deserve. Store colleagues work hard to support customers, and play an important role in local communities across the country, so it’s vital they can come to work in a safe and secure environment.”

Dame Diana Johnson, Policing Minister, says: “Stealing from shops and abusing retail staff is unacceptable and the government wholeheartedly supports the #ShopKind campaign. We are taking robust action to stop this criminality and are bringing in a new specific offence for assaulting retail workers and have ended the effective immunity for shop theft of goods under £200.”

“After years of declining police officer presence in our communities, we are putting 3,000 more neighbourhood police officers onto our streets this year, which will better protect our town centres and help restore public confidence in communities.”

James Lowman, Chief Executive of the ACS, says: “We are proud to deliver the #ShopKind campaign this year and are grateful for the widespread support it has received from across the sector and our customers. We hope that the campaign reminds everyone to be considerate to shopworkers, and that it will continue to raise awareness about the violence and abuse that they face when serving their communities.”

2025 marks the fifth #ShopKind Week, with over 170 retailers, trade bodies and law enforcement organisations taking part since the campaign launched in 2021. 

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

In-store technology will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.