TJ Maxx customers may now see employees at select stores wearing body cameras similar to those used by the police. Executives from TJX Companies, the parent company of TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods, revealed the initiative during an earnings call held last month.
The company said it started towards the end of last year to reduce instances of shoplifting. John Klinger, the chief financial officer of TJX, said people are less inclined to act when they notice they are being filmed.
TJ Maxx Started Using Body Cameras Last Year
According to Fox Business, a TJX representative said the retail giant started using body cameras in select locations across all of its brands a year ago. The company also implemented new regulations and training to keep shops secure.
The body cameras are worn only by loss prevention associates trained in using them. The spokesperson said that releasing the video footage is also strictly limited to situations when law enforcement requests it or when a subpoena is served.
Retail Sector Targeted by Criminals
According to CBS News, a report from the National Retail Federation (NRF) showed that in 2022, the retail sector lost over $112 billion due to what is often referred to as "shrink" or "shrinkage," which includes theft.
That is 1.6% of total retail sales, higher than 1.4%, or around $94 billion the previous year. Shrinkage may also refer to losses caused by improperly scanned goods, fraudulent product returns, and dishonest vendors.
The NRF report also highlighted "organized retail crime," or massive multi-person shoplifting. Several stores reportedly saw an uptick in shoplifting following the COVID-19 pandemic.
A poll conducted by the NRF in 2023 revealed that many merchants were considering using body cameras, with 11% admitting they were piloting or testing the technology to safeguard stores.
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