x-hoppers, an innovator in AI-based retail communication solutions, convened a critical roundtable discussion on 9 October to address the disturbing rise in retail crime, now at its highest level in 20 years. With the busy holiday shopping season approaching, industry leaders and law enforcement came together at House of Spells in London, an early adopter of x-hoppers technology. The session was led by CEO Ian Rowan and featured prominent speakers, including retail specialist Kate Hardcastle, MBE, Superintendent Patrick Holdaway of the City of London Police, Tenby Stores owner Fiona Malone, and x-hoppers’ CTO Graham Dixon.
Addressing the Urgent Crisis
The event highlighted results from a recent survey by x-hoppers, reflecting the urgent state of the retail environment. Alarmingly, 61% of UK shoppers reported witnessing theft in stores, while shoplifting incidents surged by 46% over the past year, leading to estimated losses for retailers of £7.9 billion annually. This data sparked vital discussions on the necessity of effective strategies to combat retail theft and safeguard both businesses and consumers.
Key Takeaways from the Panel
The panel stressed the importance of collaboration among consumers, retailers, and law enforcement to combat this escalating issue. Superintendent Patrick Holdaway noted, “If we are unaware of the crime, we cannot combat it. This is a community issue,” advocating for improved communication and consistent reporting between retailers and police to enhance enforcement amid limited resources.
Fiona Malone highlighted the tangible impact of shoplifting, asserting, “Shoplifting isn’t a victimless crime; it has real consequences for families and communities. Every theft jeopardises local businesses and takes food from our tables. We need to champion local shopping while committing to protect our local establishments.”
AI as a Solution for Retail Security
Graham Dixon emphasized the potential of AI in enhancing retail security, stating, “AI is more than just a trend; it is an essential tool that can revolutionise the retail sector. By adopting advanced technology, we can foster safer shopping environments while improving service quality, making retail a more enjoyable experience.”
Kate Hardcastle, MBE, called for a proactive approach to the challenges facing retailers, stating, “This is a widespread national issue; it has reached epidemic levels. During peak shopping periods, it is crucial to inform customers about the realities of theft, what measures are being taken, and how their support is valued.”
Urgent Action Needed from Retailers
Ian Rowan reiterated the need for retailers to implement effective security measures, declaring, “Retailers are currently faced with an urgent task to ensure a secure atmosphere for shoppers. It is essential that we act promptly to adopt innovative solutions that guarantee safety and enhance the shopping experience. Customers deserve to feel safe and happy when they enter stores, without the looming threat of theft.”
Martin Velev from House of Spells shared his positive experience with x-hoppers technology, reporting a threefold decrease in theft attempts: “Our customers feel significantly safer since we implemented this solution, and we have received no negative feedback regarding safety, which was a concern in our busy location.”
Insights on Consumer Attitudes Towards Retail Safety
Insights from a survey conducted by x-hoppers and Sago in September 2024 provided the following data from 1,000 UK shoppers aged 18 and older:
- 61% of shoppers have observed theft in stores.
- 80% view store safety as a crucial factor in their shopping choices.
- 85% prefer to engage with a physical product during their visit.
- 44% visit stores to feel and touch the items.
- 41% shop in-store to take items home immediately.
As the holiday shopping season approaches and foot traffic increases, these statistics underscore the importance of ensuring a secure shopping environment for both customers and staff, prompting retailers to implement effective security measures to protect patrons and profits.
To view the live simulation of theft prevention featuring x-hoppers’ AI Theft Detection System: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Hhp2bokv6w
x-hoppers is also gearing up for ShopTalk next week in Chicago from October 16-18, where attendees can expect insights on global retail trends and the critical need for advanced security solutions.
