In the heart of the bustling St. Louis Premium Outlets, behind the vibrant storefront of Zumiez, lies a story of dedication, passion, and the daily struggle against retail theft that happens everyday. Jackson Hagner (11), known as Jax, is a young man who embodies the spirit of retail, even in the face of conflict.

 Hagner’s love for Zumiez is very clear as soon as he started working there. He sees his job as more than just a paycheck; it’s a passion project.

“I don’t even feel like I’m working,” Hagner said. “I love what I do.”

However, the challenges he faces are far from trivial. Without the security of in-store cameras, Zumiez has become a target for opportunistic thieves, primarily young teenagers. With this increase in shoplifting, Hagner still chooses to fight the theft, and while enjoying the work he does.

While other stores in the Outlet mall have cameras, it seems that Zumiez used to have cameras in the past but now doesn’t as the price of owning security systems has increased and made it harder on stores. With this new opportunity, thieves found it easier to take advantage of this.

“It’s frustrating,” Hagner said. “We work hard to provide a great shopping experience, but it’s disheartening to see people take advantage of that.”

Despite these challenges, Hagner remains optimistic through these struggles. He believes that every job, no matter how demanding, has its ups and downs.

“It’s up to you to find the joy in what you do,” Hagner said.

Hagner’s story is a testament to the resilience of retail workers. He’s a reminder that behind every product and every sale, there are real people who pour their hearts and souls into their work. His commitment to his job, is an inspiration for us to choose to be better ourselves.