Southside Shopping Centre in Wandsworth has joined forces with the Retail Trust, the retail industry charity, to help protect retail workers from rising levels of abuse, with dedicated free training to help colleagues manage difficult interactions.
Delivered through the charity’s Let’s Respect Retail campaign, Southside Shopping Centre and the Retail Trust are rolling out practical training, offering both centre and store staff the tools and confidence to handle challenging interactions and recover after difficult moments on the shopfloor.
The partnership follows new research from the Retail Trust showing that over three-quarters (77%) of shop staff nationwide have faced intimidating behaviour in the past year, one in four (23%) have been physically assaulted, and nearly half (43%) say they are being abused or attacked every week.
The charity is calling on shoppers to help restore humanity to the high street this Christmas, starting with simple gestures of respect like a hello, thank you or a smile. In December, visitors to Southside will also see messaging throughout the centre, reminding millions that every act of kindness counts.
Shannon Reed, centre director at Southside Shopping Centre, commented: “Retail workers are at the heart of Southside, keeping our stores, restaurants and experiences running every day, and we have a responsibility to create a place where everyone feels safe, respected and valued.
“This partnership with the Retail Trust not only provides teams practical tools and emotional support, but it also reminds all of us that small acts of kindness make a real difference. When our team and workers feel protected and appreciated, it leads to better experiences for them and for everyone who visits.”
Chris Brook-Carter, chief executive of the Retail Trust, added:“Unkind and aggressive behaviour has sadly become ‘part of the job’ for far too many people working in retail. We want to equip staff across Southside Shopping Centre with the skills to safely de-escalate difficult situations and look after their wellbeing.
“Our campaign is also calling on everyone to restore respect to the high street this Christmas, starting with acts as simple as a thank you, a greeting, and a smile. We know that the smallest acts of recognition still make a huge difference to anyone who is facing daily hostility at work.”
