Christmas is the busiest time of year for local shops, and colleagues across the convenience sector are working tirelessly to serve their communities. Everyone working in retail deserves a safe and enjoyable festive season, including those working behind the counter to support customers.

The reality for many shopworkers is very different. The latest ACS Crime Report 2025 highlights the scale of the challenge, with over a million incidents of violence and abuse against shopworkers in the last year.

Thousands of cases are reported every day across the UK, and unfortunately incidents are much more prevalent over the holiday period, when stores are busier and faced with customers under higher pressure. 

ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) is calling on customers to #ShopKind this festive season and treat retail colleagues with patience, respect and kindness. 

Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman said: “Local shops are at the heart of communities, and colleagues work incredibly hard to make the festive season special for everyone. Abuse or violence of any kind is unacceptable. This year, we are reminding customers to shop with kindness, patience and respect.”

Shopkind resources for retailers to display in their stores are available on the National Business Crime Centre website here