TJX reportedly deploys in-store body cameras
The TJX Companies has reportedly launched a program to equip associates at select stores with body cameras to help deter theft.
According to CBS News, certain employees at select locations of its TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Home Goods banners are wearing body cameras in an initiative the retailer initially announced during its recent first-quarter earnings call. The company has been gradually rolling the program out since late 2023.
"Body cameras are currently used by certain loss prevention associates, who have gone through thorough training on how to use the cameras effectively in their roles," a TJX spokesperson told CBS News. "Video footage is only shared upon request by law enforcement or in response to a subpoena. We hope that these body cameras will help us de-escalate incidents, deter crime and demonstrate to our associates and customers that we take safety in our stores seriously."
Read more CBS News coverage here.
Despite concerns over store shrink, TJX reported strong first quarter sales and profits and said it sees potential to further expand its store footprint by at least another 1,300-plus stores.
According to the National Retail Federation’s "2023 National Retail Security Survey," taken as a percentage of total retail sales in 2022, shrink accounted for $112.1 billion in losses, up from $93.9 billion in 2021.
Although 41% of survey respondents said no employees are authorized to stop or apprehend shoplifters, up from 38% the previous year, 53% have increased their technology and software solution budgets in the past year as a result of security concerns.
Other retailers have taken the more drastic step of closing stores that experience high levels of theft and organized retail crime. For example, in October 2023 Target shuttered nine stores across New York City, San Francisco, Portland and Seattle it said presented "fundamental challenges" to safe and successful operation due to high levels of criminal activity.
[Read more: Insight: Three steps to take before equipping frontline retail workers with body cameras]
As of the quarter ended May 4, 2024, TJX operated a total of 4,972 stores across nine countries including TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Homesense and Sierra in the U.S.; Winners, HomeSense, and Marshalls in Canada; TK Maxx and Homesense in Europe; and TK Maxx in Australia.