The fear of shoplifting has haunted retailers for generations, with increased security, specialized CCTV cameras, and deterrent pricing all in an effort to protect retailers’ profits. However, recent data has suggested that fears of a surge in shoplifting may be unfounded.
According to a recent survey conducted by the National Retail Foundation, shoplifting incidents in the United States fell 21 percent in 2018. This is part of a long-term trend of shoplifting incidents gradually declining since 2009. Similarly, a large-scale study of shoplifting behavior in the United Kingdom found that incidents of shoplifting dropped by 25 percent from 2015 to 2018.
Experts believe the main cause of this decrease is the rise of e-commerce, which has put a squeeze on retailers’ in-store profits. With the advent of online ordering and delivery services, more people are opting to purchase items from the comfort of their own homes. This shift away from in-store shopping has made it much more difficult for shoplifters to be successful.
Furthermore, improved digital security measures have also played a role in reducing shoplifting. Many stores now require customers to present their identification upon entry and have implemented systems that detect suspicious behavior. Additionally, retailers are now better able to keep track of items in their stores using sophisticated inventory management tools.
Though fears of a shoplifting surge may be running away from the facts, that doesn’t mean retailers should be complacent. Even as shoplifting trends downward, it is important for stores to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions to deter shoplifting. By taking proactive steps such as increasing security and implementing digital security measures, retailers can help keep shoplifting incidents as low as possible.
