US retail giant Walmart has initiated a pilot programme equipping store-level associates at select US locations with body cameras to enhance safety and deter conflict, as reported by CNBC.
The exact number of outlets involved in the deployment of these recording devices remains undisclosed. Some Walmart stores have installed notifications at their entrances informing customers of the active use of “body-worn cameras,” corroborated by accounts and images shared online.
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As the largest private employer in the US, Walmart is exploring the technology following its adoption by smaller retail entities aiming to curb theft.
While body cameras are often marketed for their potential to reduce shoplifting, Walmart’s objective for implementing this technology is to enhance staff security rather than for theft deterrence.
A Walmart spokesperson was quoted by CNBC: “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.
“This is a pilot we are testing in one market, and we will evaluate the results before making any longer-term decisions.”
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By GlobalDataThe implementation of body cameras comes at a crucial time — during the 2024 holiday shopping season.
A recent study published by the National Retail Federation indicates a significant rise in retail theft, with a 93% increase in the average frequency of shoplifting events annually between 2019 and 2023, along with a 90% climb in financial losses attributed to such incidents within that timeframe.
Retailers on average encountered 177 instances of shoplifting daily in 2023, although this figure can exceed 1,000 in specific segments of the retail industry.
In early 2024, US off-price apparel and home fashion retailer TJX Companies began implementing body cameras in its stores. The move was revealed by finance chief John Joseph Klinger during a call with analysts following the release of the company’s fiscal first-quarter earnings in May 2024.
Walmart recently completed the acquisition of the consumer electronics brand VIZIO, a move that enhanced its entertainment offerings for customers and supported growth in its advertising sector.
