Podcast
Welcome to The Backroom, a window into what goes on behind the scenes as the Retail Dive team covers the stories and trends reshaping retail. You can check out all our podcast episodes (past and present) here and listen on Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio and Spotify.
In this episode of the Backroom, Senior Reporter Daphne Howland speaks to actor and writer Ken Harris, whose solo play, “Foes of a Minimum Wage Guard,” is based on his experience in retail loss prevention.
The work has garnered numerous accolades, including grants from the Springfield Cultural Council and the Chicopee Cultural Council in 2024; two Springfield Cultural Council Awards; the Agawam Cultural Council Award; and the 2025 Trust Project Artist Fellowship Award.
Harris’ background includes training at the Agawam Reserve Police Academy in Massachusetts. That prepared him to be a special police officer at various malls, where he investigated retail theft and apprehended shoplifters. Harris later served as a loss prevention retail guard for Macy's in Enfield, Connecticut.
Harris has a unique perspective on the ongoing battle against retail shrink and theft. His experience in the field was rich with stories, which informed his play — the first one-person show to highlight loss prevention and retail crime.
“Foes of a Minimum Wage Guard,” which features Harris in all 12 roles, is playing at the United Solo Theatre Festival in New York City on March 26.
Resource links:
- Foes of a Minimum Wage Guard at United Solo
- Where the fight against retail crime goes in 2025
- Shoplifting on the rise this year, report shows
- After more than 3 decades, NRF won’t publish its annual shrink report this year
Editor’s note: This episode was produced and edited by Caroline Jansen.
