Lululemon CEO supports firing staff who stopped store robbery.

Lululemon CEO Defends Firing of Employees Who Intervened in Store Robbery

“Retail theft and shrinkage has been a growing topic,” Lululemon CEO Calvin McDonald told CNBC’s Sara Eisen Friday. “In this particular case, we have a zero-tolerance policy that we train our educators on around engaging during a theft.”

McDonald emphasized that the safety of their team and guests is their top priority. While theft is a concern, the products being stolen are only merchandise. Employees are trained to step back and let the theft occur, knowing that there are cameras and technology in place, and that law enforcement is involved.

However, in the recent incident at the Peachtree Corners location in metro Atlanta, two employees, Jennifer Ferguson and Rachel Rogers, knowingly broke the policy by engaging with the thieves across multiple points and following them out of the store. This resulted in their termination, as per the company’s zero-tolerance policy.

McDonald clarified that employees are allowed to call the police and that the policy is in place to protect them. Other retailers have seen instances where employees who intervene are hurt or killed. Lululemon takes this policy seriously and enforces it to ensure the safety of their team.

Takeaways:

• Lululemon CEO defends the company’s zero-tolerance policy on employee engagement during theft.
• The safety of their team and guests is their top priority.
• Employees are trained to step back and let the theft occur, knowing that there are cameras and technology in place, and that law enforcement is involved.
• Engaging with thieves and following them out of the store is a violation of the policy and can result in termination.
• The policy is in place to protect employees, as other retailers have seen instances where employees who intervene are hurt or killed.

It’s clear that Lululemon takes the safety of their team and guests seriously. While theft is a concern, the company’s zero-tolerance policy on employee engagement during theft is in place to protect their team. It’s important for employees to follow this policy to ensure their safety and the safety of others.