HALF of Americans had to change their shopping habits due to massive closures as anti-theft policies continue to impact shoppers.
Retailers are fighting against shoplifting at stores, turning to practices such as locking items behind anti-theft glass and receipt checks.
However, customers have raised concerns, saying the new measures ruin the shopping experience.
Some have even decided to boycott stores in favor of shopping elsewhere.
One thousand Americans were polled on their shopping habits and if they’ve changed in an exclusive survey commissioned by The U.S. Sun.
Nearly half of Americans (48%) believe that self-checkout at grocery stores is a good thing.
Self-checkout rose in popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic when shoppers and employees had to social distance.
However, as pandemic regulations eased, several stores have continued to use self-checkout, angering some shoppers.
Democrats are more likely to feel more positively about self-checkout than Republicans, according to the poll.
LOCKED UP
Shoppers were also asked if anti-theft measures affected their ability to get the items they needed in stores.
About 16% of respondents said that within the last week, the last time they went shopping they couldn’t get something because it was locked up.
Several retailers put expensive items behind anti-theft glass, however, lately, cheaper items have been placed in the cases because they are frequently stolen by thieves.
Essential items such as vitamins, deodorant, and underwear can be seen locked behind glass at many stores.
The cases require shoppers to call an employee to retrieve the items for them, however, many customers have said that it adds time to their errands.
“A lot of people used to see Target as a way to unwind and discover new products,” a shopper wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, where many people rant about their experiences.
“You’d go in for deodorant but leave with 10 other products you didn’t need. But now it feels like I’m BEGGING y’all to spend MY money. Them locking stuff up takes away the ‘fantasy’ they used to have.”
Another shopper called on retailers to hire more employees if they were going to lock items away.
“Every aisle at my target had people waiting for staff. And waiting. And waiting,” they said.
However, about 19% of respondents said they never had issues getting items that were locked up.
Target CEO Brian Cornell echoed this, telling CNBC that shoppers are grateful to see items in stock.
“Actually what we hear from the guests is a big thank you, because we are in stock with the brands that they need when they’re shopping in our stores,” he said.
STORE CLOSURES
The 2023 National Retail Security Survey found that theft-related losses increased from $93.9 billion in 2021 to $ 112.1 billion in 2022.
“Retailers are seeing unprecedented levels of theft coupled with rampant crime in their stores, and the situation is only becoming more dire,” said NRF Vice President for Asset Protection and Retail Operations David Johnston.
Many stores have had to close their doors due to rising costs that stem from shoplifting and inflation.
Nearly half of Americans (49%) said their shopping habits were impacted by store closures.
About 54% of that number came from Northeasterners, more than any other region.
Last year, nine Target stores had to close after facing several theft incidents.
“We cannot continue operating these stores because theft and organized retail crime are threatening the safety of our team and guests and contributing to unsustainable business performance,” Target said in a press release at the time.
In May, a Walgreens location shut its doors after the location was hit with theft and violent incidents.
“You can simply be walking and they take your purse and start running and they leave you with nothing,” a shopper told ABC affiliate WJLA-TV about the Maryland location.
“That’s why when I’m here before I get out of my car I always look around first.”
The U.S. Sun has reached out to Target, Walmart, and Walgreens for comment.