A prominent UK teen fashion retailer has closed all fitting rooms across its stores, citing a sharp increase in theft. The move, announced on Monday, comes as British retailers report a surge in shoplifting, with industry bodies calling for stronger police action.
The brand, which has not been named in the statement, said the decision was taken after a rise in incidents where items were removed from fitting rooms without payment. The closures are temporary, pending a review of security measures.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has warned that shoplifting has reached alarming levels, with losses estimated at £953 million in the past year. The BRC attributed the trend to organised criminal gangs targeting high-value items, as well as cost-of-living pressures driving opportunistic theft.
A BRC spokesperson said: “Retailers are facing an unprecedented wave of theft. The closure of fitting rooms is a drastic step, but it reflects the desperation of businesses trying to protect their staff and stock.”
The move has been criticised by some consumer groups, who argue it penalises honest customers. However, the retailer emphasised that the safety of employees and customers remained its priority.
The Home Office has yet to comment on the specific measures, but a spokesperson said: “We are working with police and retailers to tackle retail crime. It is unacceptable for shopworkers to face abuse or violence.”
The closure of fitting rooms is the latest in a series of responses to the theft crisis. Other measures include the use of body-worn cameras for staff, increased security guards, and the installation of electronic tagging on products.
The surge in shoplifting has been linked to the cost-of-living crisis, with some offenders stealing essentials such as baby formula and meat. However, organised crime groups are also targeting luxury goods and electronics, which are then resold online.
The retailer in question, which specialises in fast fashion for teenagers, operates more than 200 stores across the UK. It is expected to review its decision within the next month.
Industry analysts suggest that the trend could lead to more widespread adoption of such measures, particularly in the fashion sector, where theft of clothing is common.
The move underscores the broader challenges facing the UK high street, which has struggled with declining footfall, rising costs, and now, the threat of theft. Retailers are calling for a dedicated police taskforce to address the issue.
As the Christmas shopping period approaches, the closure of fitting rooms may become a more common sight, as businesses seek to protect their margins. The BRC has warned that without action, the problem will worsen, potentially leading to store closures and job losses.
