M&S backs Retail Trust’s ‘Let’s Respect Retail’ campaign
M&S has become the first major retailer to publicly back the Retail Trust’s latest ‘Let’s Respect Retail’ campaign.
The initiative aims to tackle abuse against shopworkers and encourage shoppers to treat retail staff with courtesy, kindness and respect during their everyday interactions.
Subscribe to TRBHundreds of retailers have supported the campaign, and the Retail Trust will once again be calling on shoppers to act respectfully in the run-up to Christmas. This follows last year’s campaign where major digital screens including Piccadilly Lights, at Heathrow Airport and in shopping centres displayed that message.
M&S has a long-standing partnership with the Retail Trust that forms part of the retailer’s wider commitment to colleague safety and wellbeing.
Thinus Keeve, retail director at M&S, said: “Our colleagues are at the heart of M&S and every one of them deserves to feel safe, respected and valued when they come to work.
“While the vast majority of customer interactions are positive, abuse should never be accepted as part of the job. That’s why we’re proud to become the first major UK grocer to support the Retail Trust’s Let’s Respect Retail campaign.
“Creating safer environments for retail workers requires action from all of us. Retailers, policymakers, law enforcement and the public all have a role to play. We hope others will join us in supporting the campaign and helping create a culture where everyone working in retail is treated with dignity and respect.”
Chris Brook-Carter, chief executive of the Retail, Trust said: “We’re proud to be working with M&S to bring an end to unacceptable behaviour on British high streets and to provide thousands of retail workers with the support they need to protect their wellbeing.
“M&S’s commitment to Let’s Respect Retail sends out a powerful message that no one should face intimidation, abuse or violence at work and shows how retailers can create safer and more respectful shopping environments by taking meaningful action to support their staff.
“Let’s Respect Retail reminds us all that we have a role to play in creating better shopping experiences for everyone. Even the simplest acts of looking up, sharing a greeting and saying thank you can make a huge difference for people who are experiencing daily hostility.”
