Westgate Oxford has launched a new partnership with the Retail Trust to protect retail workers from increasing levels of abuse during the busy festive period.
The initiative offers free wellbeing and de-escalation training to all centre and store staff, helping them manage difficult interactions and recover after challenging moments on the shop floor.
The collaboration is part of the Retail Trust’s Let’s Respect Retail campaign, which equips retail teams with practical skills to confidently de-escalate tense situations.
It comes as new figures reveal that 77 per cent of retail staff across the UK have experienced intimidating behaviour in the past year, with one in four facing physical assault.
To encourage more kindness and respect from shoppers, Westgate Oxford will display centre-wide messaging throughout December, reminding visitors that small gestures — such as a smile, a greeting, or a simple thank you — can have a meaningful impact.
Brendan Hattam, Centre Director at Westgate Oxford, said:
“Retail workers are the heartbeat of Westgate Oxford. We have a responsibility to ensure they feel safe, respected and valued. This partnership not only gives teams the tools to manage difficult situations but also highlights how small acts of kindness can transform everyone’s experience.”
Chris Brook-Carter, Chief Executive of the Retail Trust, added:
“Unkind behaviour has sadly become ‘part of the job’ for too many people working in retail. We want to equip staff across Westgate Oxford with the skills to de-escalate conflict and look after their wellbeing. Our campaign also calls on the public to help restore respect this Christmas — starting with kindness.”
The Retail Trust’s national survey of 1,058 retail workers was conducted anonymously between 07 July and 13 August. Full findings are available via the charity.
