Around seven in ten retail workers say they've faced abuse from customers while working.
Foul language and verbal abuse are the most common forms of it, while around 36% of abuse faced is related to race or ethnicity.
Circle K, Maxol and Mr. Price are promoting kindness week at stores from today to urge people to consider the impact abuse can have on staff.
It's also to thank those who are respectful every day.
83% of retail staff say most customers are kind and respectful, while foul language makes up most of the abuse - at 69%.
Lisa McCluskey, Store Manager at Circle K in Kill, Co. Kildare, told us about one interaction she had recently.
"I had a customer come to me and apologise for an incident that happened a year ago," she said, "he said 'last year, I was going through a really tough time, and I took that out on you. I'm really sorry for that'.
"For us, working in retail, even if it's a year later we really appreciate an apology," Lisa concluded.
Ciara Foxton, Managing Director of Circle K Ireland, said “Our people are at the heart of everything we do at Circle K, and their safety and wellbeing are our top priority. While most customer interactions are positive, unacceptable behaviour towards retail staff remains an issue, which is why we first launched the Kindness initiative in 2023 and continues to champion Kindness Week today."
86% of retail staff believe they would be supported by their employer if they faced abusive behaviour.
Pictured are Managing Director of Circle K Ireland, Ciara Foxton, Chief People Officer of The Maxol Group, Catherine Noctor, Operations Director at MrPRICE Branded Bargains, Edel Mc Sorely, Circle K colleague, Anna Nowicka, Maxol colleague, Darpan Derpan, and MrPRICE Branded Bargains colleague, Mukendi Fwaba, launching Kindness Week 2026. The initiative sees three of Ireland’s leading retailers, Circle K, Maxol, and MrPRICE Branded Bargains, come together with the support of Retail Ireland, to raise awareness of the issue of unacceptable behaviour towards staff in retail settings and to thank customers who are kind and respectful.Maxol's CEO, Brian Donaldson echoed Ciara's message and said "we welcome the positive engagement we have had with Government on this initiative, including with Minister of State for Retail Business, Alan Dillon TD. Creating safer and more respectful retail environments is a shared responsibility, and we believe this campaign plays an important role in driving positive change across the sector.”
28% of workers have also reported violent, aggressive or discriminatory behaviour, while discriminatory abuse remains a concern - 36% of the abuse related to race or ethnicity while discrimination on gender or sex grounds makes u about 34% of abuse.
Arnold Dillon, Director of Retail Ireland said, “Any level of harassment towards retail staff is deeply concerning. The findings highlight serious issues, including verbal abuse and incidents of physical assault, which many retail workers continue to face. The impact on staff is significant, contributing to mental health challenges, burnout and increased absenteeism."
The research was conducted by 3Gem Research & Insights across December 2025 and January 2026 and surveyed 500 retail employees.
