Investing in Store Safety Leads to Higher Profits in Retail 

Creating a safe environment in retail stores is paramount, not only for the well-being of workers and shoppers but also for the overall success of the business. While on the surface, further investing in store safety technology and training might feel too costly to some retailers, the fact remains a commitment to safety will produce massive savings in the long run through reduced turnover, increased productivity, boosted customer loyalty, and the many cost savings from proper legal compliance. 

Increased Employee Productivity and Retention 

Safety measures in the workplace are directly linked to higher employee productivity. When employees feel safe and valued, they are more engaged, motivated, and committed to their work. Moreover, a safe and supportive work environment enhances employee satisfaction and loyalty, reducing turnover rates.  

With fewer resources spent on recruiting and training new staff, retailers who invest in safety are sure to see significant cost savings. Furthermore, this added workplace stability will improve the consistency and quality of your team’s customer service. By reducing workplace injuries and illnesses, fewer sick days will be needed, and the workforce can continue to run smoothly. 

Yet, despite all of this, most retailers refuse to invest in their frontline’s safety in meaningful ways. Theatro’s own research found that 80% of retail workers feel unsafe while on the job, directly leading to rising problems in quiet quitting, disengagement, and rising turnover in stores. 

Boosted Customer Loyalty and Sales for Investing in Store Safety 

Retail employees aren’t the only one who have store safety at the top of their minds, the majority of Americans (81%) are concerned about their personal safety when shopping. Safety measures that enhance the shopping experience play a crucial role in retaining customers. A safe and pleasant shopping environment encourages customers to return, fostering customer loyalty—whereas just one unsafe shopping experience can be enough to turn a customer off a brand forever. 

Retailers known for Investing in Store Safety build a positive reputation in the market. Word-of-mouth recommendations and positive online reviews attract new customers, enhancing the brand’s image and reach. A strong reputation for safety can be a real competitive advantage in a crowded retail landscape. 

A safe shopping environment also encourages customers to spend more time in the store. When customers can feel completely comfortable, they are more likely to explore different products and areas of the store. This increased dwell time can lead to higher sales and greater customer satisfaction. 

Cost Savings and Legal Compliance when Investing in Store Safety 

Implementing safety protocols minimizes the risk of accidents and injuries, reducing potential legal liabilities and associated costs. And when stores ignore compliance with safety regulations, their business opens itself up to fines and penalties, some of which can balloon to be so big that they threaten a company’s financial health and reputation.  

In July of 2024, retail giant Dollar General was forced to pay up to $12 million in fines over workplace safety violations across their 20,000 stores. For many retailers, a fine of this magnitude could mark the end of their business. It’s yet another example of why retailers cannot afford to ignore workplace safety. 

Retailers that prioritize safety benefit from lower insurance premiums. Insurers recognize the reduced risk associated with safe environments and offer more favorable rates. These cost savings can be reinvested into the business, further enhancing operations and customer experience. 

Theatro’s Personal Safety Alert 

Theatro’s groundbreaking Associate Safety & Security Suite can help retailers ensure both their employees and their customers remain safe and at ease in the store. With Theatro, team members can discreetly alert store leadership when they feel unsafe in real-time. Using a simple code word on their mobile Communicator or discreet button presses.  

Theatro’s Intelligent Virtual Assistant (TIVA) promptly informs store leadership, who can respond with a reassuring “copy that.” Within moments, TIVA assures the distressed employee that help is on the way.  

TIVA can also provide instant guidance during a safety crisis, including reminders not to engage and specific store safety protocols. Theatro has solutions to handle a wide range of threats from a merely suspicions customer, to facilitating an immediate lockdown or evacuation of the store in a rapidly developing emergency. Don’t gamble with the safety of your team, invest in technology that will not only stop ongoing safety threats, but deter any future ones from returning to your stores. 

Connect with Theatro 

Creating a safe environment in retail stores yields significant mental, health, financial, and business benefits. Theatro’s Mobile Communication Platform and dedicated Associate Safety & Security Suite were built specifically with the needs of retailers and their frontline in mind. Theatro has the power to connect every employee, integrate with existing store security systems and generative AI platforms, and automatically trigger security alerts during an ORC incident. 

Interested in learning more about how you can improve your in-store safety? Reach out to our sales team today—we’d love to show you how Theatro is helping organizations create a safer shopping environment than ever before by Investing in Store Safety!  

Connect with Theatro today to schedule a demo or learn more!