The Most Expensive Thing in Retail: Your Peace of Mind

Retail work isn’t just about selling products—it’s about showing up every day in environments that can feel unpredictable, stressful, and sometimes unsafe. In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Behind the Counter, Hilary pulls back the curtain on the real cost of retail: safety and peace of mind.

From the psychological toll of shoplifting and workplace violence to the anxiety of extreme weather shifts and the constant cycle of turnover, retail workers are carrying far more than sales goals. Many live with trauma, stress, and mental health challenges that aren’t often acknowledged by the companies they work for.

But safety isn’t just about the workers—it’s about customers too. When people don’t feel safe shopping, thieves win, jobs are lost, and retail itself suffers.

Join Hilary as she shares stories from behind the counter, explores why supporting employees protects both workers and businesses, and shows how a safer, more supportive retail culture benefits everyone—from the associates to the shoppers who love the in-store experience.