A recent study by the Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC), in partnership with Verkada, highlights significant safety concerns within the retail sector. Over half (52%) of retail employees are considering leaving their current positions in the next year due to fears over personal safety.
The State of Retail Safety report sheds light on the rising trend of workplace violence and offers insights into mitigating risks for both workers and customers without increasing tensions.
Escalating safety concerns in retail
The report notes a worrying rise in workplace violence since 2024, with 35% of retail workers feeling unsafe at work, up from 27% previously.
Incidents of physical assaults have increased by 22% year-on-year, while aggressive behaviour from previous employees and current colleagues has grown by 28% and 26%, respectively. Concerns over theft and verbal threats are persistent, with nearly 40% of employees worrying about these issues frequently.
Impact on employee retention
Personal safety concerns are fuelling high turnover rates in an industry already challenged by retention issues
Personal safety concerns are fuelling high turnover rates in an industry already challenged by retention issues.
One in four retail workers (25%) have contemplated leaving their jobs, a notable rise from 19% last year. Among those who have faced violent incidents, 53% have considered seeking new employment.
Men, in particular, are more likely to leave due to safety issues, with 63% expressing this intent compared to 39% of women. Store managers are equally affected, with nearly half (49%) considering safety concerns a significant hurdle to hiring, a sharp increase from 37% in 2024.
Challenges with theft-prevention measures
The use of physical theft-prevention tools, such as locked cabinets, is proving problematic. Almost half (46%) of retail employees report these tools hinder efficiency, while 59% find them more disruptive than effective.
Customers share similar views, with 60% of U.S. adults agreeing that these measures disrupt the shopping experience, and 74% saying they reduce their inclination to shop in-store. Reports indicate that such measures may inadvertently provoke confrontations, as 54% of verbal threats are attributed to frustrated customers.
Ongoing efforts by LPRC
The matter of safeguarding retail associates who are vital to the economy, and said the LPRC's continuous efforts
"Retail remains a critical cornerstone of the American economy, contributing $5.3 trillion annually to GDP and supporting more than one in four jobs," said Read Hayes, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Loss Prevention Research Council.
He emphasised the importance of safeguarding retail associates who are vital to the economy and mentioned the LPRC's continuous efforts to provide retailers with a safety roadmap.
Retailers' roadmap and urgency to act
Alana O'Grady Lauk, Vice President of Public Affairs at Verkada, stated, "Everyone deserves to feel safe, but our research shows that more than one in three retail workers has felt the opposite."
With the shopping season approaching, she highlighted the urgency for retailers to utilise this data effectively to protect their workforce amidst increased foot traffic and longer hours.
More than half (52%) of retail workers say they are likely to leave their current job in the next 12 months due to personal safety concerns, according to new research conducted by the Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC) and in partnership with Verkada.
The State of Retail Safety report reveals an alarming escalation in workplace violence from 2024, and offers critical insight into solutions that can protect retail workers, consumers and inventory without escalating tensions.
Key findings
- Safety concerns on-the-job escalate, corresponding with material increase in reports of violence: More than one in three (35%) retail workers reported feeling unsafe at work, up from 27% in 2024. Reports of physical assault increased 22% year-over-year, while aggressive behaviour from past employees and current coworkers jumped 28% and 26%, respectively. Nearly 40% of workers worry about theft and verbal harassment most or every time they go to work.
- Violence threatens retention in an industry that already faces high turnover: One in four retail workers (25%) report they've thought about looking for a new job due to personal safety concerns, up from 19% last year. Those who experienced violent incidents are even more likely to leave: 53% say they have considered new opportunities. Men, who are experiencing workplace violence at notably higher rates than women, are also significantly more likely to quit over safety concerns in the next year (63% vs. 39% of women). Store managers are feeling the impact of this retention challenge: nearly half (49%) report that safety concerns are a barrier to hiring, up significantly from 37% in 2024.
- Locked cabinets create friction on both sides of the counter: Nearly half (46%) of retail workers say physical theft prevention tools like locked cabinets and checkout gates are more disruptive than effective, and 59% report they reduce their efficiency on-the-job. Customers agree: 60% of U.S. adults say physical theft prevention tools are more disruptive to the shopping experience than they are effective at deterring crime, and 74% say certain theft-prevention measures make them less likely to shop in-store. Retail workers in stores with these measures in place report higher rates of violence across every category measured, revealing an uncomfortable reality: customer frustration from these barriers may be fuelling confrontations, as retail workers report 54% of verbal threats stem from angry customers.
LPRC's ongoing efforts
"Retail remains a critical cornerstone of the American economy, contributing $5.3 trillion annually to GDP and supporting more than one in four jobs," said Read Hayes, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Loss Prevention Research Council.
"Nothing is more important than protecting the frontline retail associates who power this economic engine, and this report builds on the LPRC's ongoing efforts to provide a roadmap for retailers on how to make sure these workers feel safe."
Retailer's clear roadmap
"Everyone deserves to feel safe, but our research shows that more than one in three retail workers has felt the opposite," said Alana O'Grady Lauk, Vice President of Public Affairs at Verkada.
"With the busiest shopping season around the corner, millions of retail workers will experience increased foot traffic, longer hours, and rushed shoppers. This data gives retailers a clear roadmap to protect their teams when it matters most – and the urgency to act on it now."
