'Be Kind in Retail’ campaign urges community kindness this Christmas

A coalition of retail, pharmacy, security, cleaning, and convenience industry groups has launched the ‘Be Kind in Retail’ campaign for the Christmas period in 2024, urging the public to treat retail workers with respect and kindness. The campaign comes after rising instances of abuse and violence in retail environments have raised concerns across the sector.

Supported by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, the Shopping Centre Council of Australia’s (SCCA) campaign brings together a range of industry groups including the Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS), Australian Security Industry Association Limited (ASIAL), and Building Service Contractors Association of Australia (BSCAA), the National Retail Association (NRA). Its core message, “Kindness Never Goes Out of Style,” encourages Australians to show empathy towards frontline staff, especially during the busy holiday season.

This initiative will feature messages across 300 shopping centres on over 3,500 screens, valued at more than $7 million in commercial advertising. SCCA’s Chief Executive, Angus Nardi, highlighted the need for community respect, noting, “Any incident that causes harm to someone is simply tragic.”

Running from 6 November to 24 December, the campaign invites Australians to foster a safer, more respectful shopping environment this festive season.