Retailers hope a facial recognition trial being launched by Foodstuffs is a success, and can eventually be rolled out across the country.

New facial recognition software is being trialled in 25 New World and PAK'nSAVE supermarkets across the North Island from Thursday in a bid to fight rising levels of retail crime.

Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young says it can improve the safety and wellbeing of staff and customers alike.

Young spoke to Ben Strang.