NEW YORK — The holiday rush isn’t just about long lines and full parking lots anymore. It’s becoming a proving ground for new retail safety tech. Last year, 57% of retail workers said they felt unsafe heading into the holiday season. And with staffing shortages, rising theft and heightened tensions on the floor, that number could be higher in 2025.
Last year’s Motorola Solutions report showed that more than half of U.S. retail workers felt unsafe heading into the holidays — and early indicators suggest many of those same pressures are returning this year. Retailers are responding with panic buttons, AI-driven video analytics, and body-worn cameras that bring faster response times and better protection for staff on the floor.
"The holiday season brings more than crowds into stores; it brings pressure. Many retail employees continue to face safety concerns, with more than half telling us last year they felt uneasy heading into the holidays. As stores manage staffing gaps and heavy foot traffic, keeping every worker connected and supported is essential to safety and service," said Clay Cassard, vice president, Global Enterprise Solutions, Motorola Solutions.
He added that integrated communication and safety technologies give teams the confidence to focus on customers, not crises. Voice-first devices, discreet duress alerts and real-time visibility tools keep employees informed and coordinated so they can respond quickly and work securely. These capabilities transform reactive moments into proactive, unified responses.
"Retailers are realizing that safety can’t stop at reaction. With connected devices and analytics, stores can identify risks earlier, respond faster and adapt with greater precision," he pointed out.
Cassard noted that today, the line between safety, security and operations is fading. The same connected technologies that protect employees also strengthen operations, linking departments, reducing downtime and improving response times.
"Last year exposed the industry’s biggest challenges: staffing shortages, theft and customer aggression. This year, the focus is connection. Every worker should have a lifeline, and every store should have the tools to turn anxiety into assurance,” he concluded.
