Woolworths addresses shocking amount of cameras in one of its newest stores
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The sight of security cameras in retail stores is nothing new, but for some shoppers at Woolworths, the number of cameras has become a point of contention and curiosity.
A recent photo shared by a customer on social media, showing a plethora of cameras in one of Woolworths' newest stores, has sparked a debate about privacy, surveillance, and the purpose behind these watchful eyes.
'Did Woolies spend all their profits on security cameras? I counted at least 10 cameras just in this area?' the customer asked.
The post sparked a flurry of responses, with some shoppers expressing discomfort at being 'treated like a criminal', while others speculated that the cameras were installed to monitor customer behaviour.
'These track how long you stop in front of a certain product, how long you look at it. Which shelf you focus on, how you move between aisles, etc,' one user suggested.
'The fact they are also security cameras is just a bonus.'
In response to the online chatter, Woolworths has clarified the purpose of these cameras.
A spokesperson confirmed that the cameras are indeed closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, installed for security purposes.
They explained that the cameras might appear more prominent due to the high ceilings in the new store.
'People are going to see them in every store,' the spokesperson added.
Retail Marketing Expert Professor Gary Mortimer supported Woolworths' statement and explained that the cameras aim to detect theft and ensure the safety of team members and customers.
'Theft is costing retailers over $9 billion each year, so it is unsurprising to see more and more retailers implementing technology to reduce crime,' he said.
'With newer supermarkets, the false ceilings have been removed, exposing cabling, plumbing and air conditioning equipment. Accordingly, there is a need to suspend such CCTV units on poles.'
He added that while CCTVs are often seen in the health and beauty aisles, 'shoppers may begin noticing these units in other areas throughout stores'.
'Sadly, retail theft can happen anywhere within a store—at the self-service area, or in quiet locations around the perimeters of a store.'
Last month, Woolworths debunked a 'joke' about new 'spy cameras' in a store's fruit section, explaining that the flashing lights were not cameras but lights to help personal shoppers quickly identify the next item on their list.
In 2023, Woolworths began trialling new camera technology to monitor stock levels, adding more than 500 cameras in one NSW store to take pictures every hour.
What are your thoughts on the use of CCTV cameras in supermarkets? Do you feel safer, or does it make you uncomfortable? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
A recent photo shared by a customer on social media, showing a plethora of cameras in one of Woolworths' newest stores, has sparked a debate about privacy, surveillance, and the purpose behind these watchful eyes.
'Did Woolies spend all their profits on security cameras? I counted at least 10 cameras just in this area?' the customer asked.
The post sparked a flurry of responses, with some shoppers expressing discomfort at being 'treated like a criminal', while others speculated that the cameras were installed to monitor customer behaviour.
A customer was shocked to see the number of cameras in just one area at a Woolies store. Image source: Reddit.
'These track how long you stop in front of a certain product, how long you look at it. Which shelf you focus on, how you move between aisles, etc,' one user suggested.
'The fact they are also security cameras is just a bonus.'
In response to the online chatter, Woolworths has clarified the purpose of these cameras.
A spokesperson confirmed that the cameras are indeed closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, installed for security purposes.
They explained that the cameras might appear more prominent due to the high ceilings in the new store.
'People are going to see them in every store,' the spokesperson added.
Retail Marketing Expert Professor Gary Mortimer supported Woolworths' statement and explained that the cameras aim to detect theft and ensure the safety of team members and customers.
'Theft is costing retailers over $9 billion each year, so it is unsurprising to see more and more retailers implementing technology to reduce crime,' he said.
'With newer supermarkets, the false ceilings have been removed, exposing cabling, plumbing and air conditioning equipment. Accordingly, there is a need to suspend such CCTV units on poles.'
He added that while CCTVs are often seen in the health and beauty aisles, 'shoppers may begin noticing these units in other areas throughout stores'.
'Sadly, retail theft can happen anywhere within a store—at the self-service area, or in quiet locations around the perimeters of a store.'
Last month, Woolworths debunked a 'joke' about new 'spy cameras' in a store's fruit section, explaining that the flashing lights were not cameras but lights to help personal shoppers quickly identify the next item on their list.
In 2023, Woolworths began trialling new camera technology to monitor stock levels, adding more than 500 cameras in one NSW store to take pictures every hour.
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