The National Retail Association (NRA) is advocating strongly on behalf of Victorian retail workers who are experiencing customer aggression.
Dominique Lamb, NRA CEO, issued a statement addressing the issue of customer aggression and abuse directed towards retail workers in Victoria since the transition to the “vaccine economy”.
“The stories we have heard about customer behaviour have been appalling, and we have been advocating directly to the Victorian Government to implement measures to protect our vulnerable workers, such as increased police presence in centres and shopping precincts.”
With Christmas fast approaching and news of a new COVID variant, Lamb stressed that while the NRA is aware that any backwards steps on the return to normal could be harmful to businesses, it was important retailers looked after themselves and their mental health.
“Please ensure that you are taking care of yourselves at this time, and we will do all that we can to advocate for a balance between health directions and security for your businesses as more information about the Omicron variant comes to light.”
Despite the potential for worry, the October retail trade report compiled by the ABS saw sales increase 4.9 per cent on the previous month with rises in six of the eight states and territories.
Lamb said the NRA predicted a record spend of $5.6 billion nationwide over the Christmas period, an eight per cent rise on 2020.