A SECURITY expert criticized the new security measures taken by a major retailer. This can turn shopping into a complete chore.
Stores like Walmart, CVS and Walgreens are locking up more and more items to combat rising thefts at retail stores, forcing shoppers to wait to get their hands on items like razors. it won’t work. One of his wealth protection leaders said this is not a long-term solution.
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“We’re seeing more items locked away this holiday season,” said David Johnston, vice president of property protection and retail operations at the National Retail Federation.
Retail crime increased 26% last year, and businesses are doing whatever it takes to prevent product theft.
The NRF reports that inventory losses have developed into a $100 billion problem across retailers, according to a new study.
Speaking to Insider, Johnston noted that crime rates are on the rise, but still criticizes anti-theft tactics as more items are trapped behind plexiglass.
“I need it today because I’m facing this problem,” Johnston said.
“In the long run, the customer experience is probably not good.”
Another expert sees the new measures as a “solution of last resort”.
“As soon as you lock something up, you lose 5% to 25% of your sales,” Joe Budano, CEO of a company that makes security devices, told Slate.
Once upon a time only high-value items such as electronics required special protective measures, but the list is getting longer and longer.
Items like hair care products, laundry detergent, and even ice cream are now locked behind locked doors.
This has dramatically changed the shopping experience for some people and consumers are starting to speak up.
“In California, it’s almost impossible to shop at Walmart,” said one twitter.
“Everything is locked and locked like we’re all thieves.
“I have to bring an attendant to unlock the cabinet when I want eyeshadow. It’s ridiculous.”
Another person condemned Walmart’s new measures, saying he “rarely shop” at the company.
“They have socks under locks and keys. Socks!”
Brian TuckerA writer for Saturday Night Live tweeted, “It’s easier to break into the US Capitol than to buy a razor in a locked case at CVS.”
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said continued shoplifting could lead to store closures and higher prices.
Walmart is estimated to lose as much as $3 billion a year to thefts, according to Reuters.
CVS, Walgreens and Target are facing similar losses, with stores having to lock up more items.
Ben Dugan, head of organized retail crime and corporate investigations at CVS Health, revealed during a Senate hearing in November 2021 that the company loses more than $200 million to theft each year.
He added that CVS has seen a 300% increase in thefts since the pandemic began.
“Like other retailers, we’ve seen a significant increase in theft and organized retail crime across our businesses,” Target CEO Brian Cornell said this month.
“As a result, we invest heavily in training and technology that can deter theft and keep our guests and our store team members safe.”
Another big change will take place in nearly 200 Walmart stores in the new year.
