A popular teen fashion retailer has closed all its fitting rooms across the country, citing a surge in theft and staff safety concerns. The move, announced this morning, affects over 200 stores and has left shoppers frustrated and unions questioning the company's commitment to workers.
The brand, which targets 13-to-19-year-olds, said the decision was made after a series of incidents including assaults on staff and organised retail crime rings. A spokesperson said: "The safety of our employees is our top priority. We have seen an unacceptable rise in aggressive behaviour and theft in our fitting rooms."
But retail union Usdaw called the closure a "draconian" response that punishes both staff and customers. "Instead of investing in proper security measures like dedicated guards or CCTV, they have taken the easy way out," said Usdaw's national officer. "This will hit sales and put more pressure on shop workers who will have to deal with angry customers."
The closure comes as the British Retail Consortium reports that theft costs the industry £1.9bn a year. Yet critics argue that locking fitting rooms shifts the burden onto low-paid workers who must now police shoppers trying on clothes.
For teenager Maya Cohen, 16, the news is a blow. "I bought a dress last week and needed to try it on. Now I have to guess my size and queue for returns. It's embarrassing and stressful," she said outside a store in Manchester.
The brand insists it will review the policy after three months, but experts warn that such measures could push shoppers online, hurting high street recovery. With inflation still squeezing household budgets, every pound spent counts. For now, the fitting rooms remain locked, and the debate over security versus service rages on.
