UK-based technology products and services retailer Currys has partnered retail communications specialist VoCoVo to roll out Series 5 Pro headset technology across all its stores in the UK and Ireland.
The initiative is part of Currys' investment in store safety and aims to equip every colleague with a headset by the end of May 2025.
The move is a response to an industry-wide increase in shoplifting and incidents of abuse against employees, with the headsets designed to keep staff better connected and safer on the shop floor.
The latest 2025 Crime Survey from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) reveals that the aggregate expense incurred by the retail sector due to crime and expenditure on preventive strategies escalated to £4.2bn in 2023/24 - an increase from £3.3bn reported in the preceding year. Of this total, theft by customers represented a significant portion, amounting to £2.2bn in losses.
Following a successful trial in 20 selected stores, Currys has now initiated a full rollout of the VoCoVo headsets.
Currys UK stores director Matthew Speight stated: “Incidents of shoplifting and aggression against retail workers are continuing to rise at a completely unacceptable level.
“VoCoVo’s headsets, alongside a range of other store safety measures, are allowing us to put our best foot forward in protecting colleagues and customers from dangerous situations. We’re excited to be rolling out the headsets to all our stores following positive feedback from the in-store trials.”
The new technology not only enhances safety but also improves the in-store experience for customers.
Colleagues can communicate more effectively, ensuring that customer queries are addressed promptly.
The integration of Call Points throughout the stores will enable customers to request assistance at the push of a button.
These notifications will be sent directly to the headsets worn by store colleagues, ensuring that help is promptly provided.
VoCoVo UK and European Union commercial growth head Olivia Robinson stated: “Currys is one of the most recognisable UK retail brands, known for trading the best tech products.
“As a tech-first company ourselves, we share many values with Currys and are proud to announce this partnership. We have enjoyed a successful trial and look forward to continuing to support the full rollout and seeing the impact VoCoVo makes to Currys and its colleagues.”
VoCoVo introduced VoCoVo Link, a wearable headset system aimed at boosting communication, efficiency and safety for smaller retail teams, especially those in convenience stores, in 2024.
The lightweight headsets support discreet, instant communication among team members, enhancing teamwork, speeding up customer service and providing a more effective way to handle security issues.
