Several major retailers are looking for help in their fight against bad customer behavior.
The problem is that some workers have been harrassed when asking customers to comply with mask and social distancing rules, The Associated Press reports. The retailers are calling on shoppers to help them combat abusive behaviors.
The campaign is being led by the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) and non-profits Hollaback and Open to All. Among the retailers participating in the effort are Tiffany & Co., Movado Group, Sephora and American Eagle Outfitters.
Examples of ways that customers can assist include creating a distraction for the abuser, along with “documenting the situation and bringing in someone else to help,” AP reports.
Open to All said in a press release: “As tensions run high and retailers are asked to enforce safety measures due to the global pandemic, frontline workers often can face the brunt of customer frustration, which can often manifest in racist or discriminatory ways. While retailers have long trained employees to respect and serve a diverse customer base, now customers are being asked to join as part of the solution.”