If you’re a frequent Walmart (WMT) shopper, you may have noticed that Walmart stores operate a bit differently than they did about five years ago. This is because Walmart has made it very clear on multiple occasions that it isn’t too shy to test out unconventional changes in its stores.
For example, in September, many Walmart shoppers discovered that the retailer embedded a feature in its self-checkout machines at some stores that detects and scans Great Value items without using a barcode.
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Also, last month, a report from Bloomberg alleged that Walmart is testing out technology that allows its store associates to digitally unlock security cases for locked-up products with their cell phones. It is also allegedly exploring the idea of allowing its shoppers to use the same technology to access locked-up products.
Related: Walmart launches plan to stop retail theft without frustrating shoppers
Those recent changes come during a time when retail theft has become a costly issue in the U.S. According to the National Retail Federation, in 2022, retail theft resulted in industry losses of $112.1 billion.
Walmart tests new plan to address worker safety
Now, it appears that Walmart is testing out another major change in its stores, and this one aims to address a growing problem in retail.
Walmart has recently opted to arm its store associates with body cameras at select U.S. stores, a change that TJ Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods also adopted earlier this year.
The new security measure from Walmart is part of a pilot program that is specifically aimed at addressing worker safety, according to a source who is familiar with the program.
An employee gathers online orders at a Walmart market fulfillment center in the back of a store in Grapevine, Texas.
Some Walmart shoppers have spotted the change at some locations, which now have signs at entrances that say, “Video & audio recording. Body-worn cameras in use.”
According to a photo posted on Reddit, which shows the instructions given to Walmart employees on how to use the body cameras, workers are told to “record an event if an interaction with a customer is escalating.”
They are also told not to wear the cameras in “associate spaces” or “restrooms.” Also, after an incident occurs, they are instructed to talk to a team member who will help them log the event in the “ethics and compliance app.”
Related: Walmart quietly tests self-checkout feature that can curb theft
In an emailed statement to TheStreet, a Walmart spokesperson emphasized that the company has yet to decide whether the new security measures will be a permanent change in stores.
“While we don’t talk about the specifics of our security measures, we are always looking at new and innovative technology used across the retail industry,” said the Walmart spokesperson. “This is a pilot we are testing in one market, and we will evaluate the results before making any longer-term decisions.”
While some Reddit users in a Walmart employee chat channel applauded the change, some expressed concern that the body cameras will do more than ensure employee safety.
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Some even flagged that the body cameras can be used to deter employees from stealing.
View the original article to see embedded media.
Retail worker safety is becoming a growing concern
The new initiative from Walmart comes in the middle of a bustling holiday season that is expected to bring in record consumer spending and significant traffic to retail stores.
Violence against retail workers has become a significant issue in the retail industry. According to a recent survey from Traliant, 38% of Gen Z retail workers have witnessed workplace violence happening to another employee in the last five years compared to 22% of millennials, 20% of Gen X and 13% of baby boomers.
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Also, 94% of retail workers in the survey agree that other states should adopt policies identical to New York’s Retail Worker Safety Act, which mandates retailers with 10 or more employees to implement a workplace violence policy and provide violence prevention training to workers.
“The retail industry is a challenging space as employees are at higher risk for workplace violence and employers have a growing list of requirements to contend with when it comes to keeping their workers safe,” said Michael Johnson, chief strategy officer at Traliant, in a press release.
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