A popular teen fashion brand has locked its fitting rooms nationwide, blaming a surge in shoplifting that experts say reflects a broader crisis on the high street. The move, described by retail analysts as a desperate measure, has sparked debate about security, customer experience, and the cost of living squeeze pushing some to theft.
The brand, known for affordable clothing popular among school-age shoppers, confirmed that changing rooms at all its UK stores are now closed until further notice. A spokesperson said losses from theft had become unsustainable and that the decision was made to protect jobs and keep prices low.
But critics argue that the move penalises honest shoppers and may drive more business online, further hollowing out town centres. The store already chains items on display to rails and uses security tags on most products. Staff have been increased at entrances.
Industry figures show retail crime in Britain is at its highest level in a decade. The British Retail Consortium reported that incidents of theft cost retailers over £950 million in the past year, up 25% on 2022. Organised gangs, often targeting small high-value items, are behind much of the rise. But there is also evidence of a rise in theft by individuals struggling with the cost of living.
Yet locking fitting rooms is a gamble. For any clothes retailer, the ability to try before you buy is a key part of the in-store experience. Take that away, and the main reason to visit a physical shop over an online rival disappears. Customers may buy fewer items, or none at all, if they cannot check the fit. Return rates for clothing bought online are high, often over 30%, adding costs for retailers.
The independent charity Retail Trust warned that treating all customers as potential thieves is damaging. One shopper in Manchester told me: "I feel like I'm being treated like a criminal. I'll just order online now and return what doesn't fit."
Others see the move as inevitable. A senior retail security manager, who asked not to be named, said: "Theft is out of control. Stores are understaffed, police don't respond, and we have to protect margins. If this brand sees a drop in sales from locked fitting rooms but an increase in margin, others will follow."
The company itself is staying tight-lipped about whether the closures are temporary or a new permanent policy. The message to staff was that the situation would be reviewed regularly. But industry watchers say that once you remove fitting rooms, it is very hard to bring them back without admitting the crisis has passed, which seems unlikely.
This is not just about one teen brand. It is a sign of the pressures on the real economy. Wages have grown more slowly than prices for three years. The poorest households are cutting back on non-essentials. And for some, the temptation to steal what they cannot afford has become too strong. The government's own figures show food bank use has tripled in five years.
When a shop that sells £15 jeans decides the only way to survive is to stop letting children try them on, something is deeply wrong. It is not the solution. It is a symptom of a country where the contract between retailer and customer is breaking down, because the contract between state and citizen has already failed.
