GO Outdoors announces roll-out of employee body worn cameras to 25 more stores following trial in Stoke

GO Outdoors recently conducted a trial of body worn cameras at its Stoke store to seek new ways to deter theft and ensure the safety of its store colleagues. The retailer says it will now roll out the initiative to 25 more stores.

The trial comes after GO Outdoors announced a partnership with The Retail Trust, a charity that works to care for and protect the lives of people working in retail. 

Claire Cowie, Stoke store manager, says: “Body cameras have been a game-changer. They’ve not only deterred theft but also increased confidence amongst staff that they are safe when they come to work.”

“The added layer of protection has been well received by our customers. It’s brought a new level of trust and transparency to our store. Crucially, the business has been proactive in equipping us with these tools, enabling us to react swiftly and effectively to the concerning increase in retail crime we’ve faced.”

Carl Harris, Associate Director at Retail, comments: “With retail crime in the UK at an all-time high, GO Outdoors has been committed to testing different initiatives that could help foster a safer and more enjoyable shopping experience.”

“Our recent trial in Stoke has proven to be a success, with the body cameras improving confidence among a store team that has previously faced challenges with members of the public. While some colleagues were initially apprehensive about the trial, citing concerns they thought the cameras might escalate situations, our Profit Protection team held a training session to highlight their benefits. As a result, more colleagues have requested to wear them, with six additional cameras ordered for the store."

“After observing the reassurance the trial provided, we have decided to roll out body cameras to 25 more stores nationwide as part of GO Outdoors’ ongoing aim to create a safer environment for both staff and customers.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Retail security will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which will open for entries in March, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.