Earlier quoted context omitted.
The state, using its various powers such as monopoly on use of force, could: 1. Intervene and prevent the loss 2. Prosecute perpetrators of theft as a deterrent
Why do you think they aren't doing 1 and/or 2 currently?
Dollar Tree is the latest retailer to say shoplifting is squeezing margins
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Re: Dollar Tree is the latest retailer to say shoplifting is squeezing margins
#62If you're stealing from Dollar Tree, you're either truly needy or just in it for the thrill of being antisocial. Their stuff hasn't got any value in the store, much less fenced.
It is for the thrill of it. For experience only. If caught the amount of merchandise is small.
Until you do it enough times that it adds up to a felony amount. That's when they'll go to the police with the security footage they've been collecting on you the whole time.
That's how they do it these days. They know you're stealing. They don't care about giving you a slap on the wrist. They want to put you in prison.
Re: Dollar Tree is the latest retailer to say shoplifting is squeezing margins
#63If retailers really want brick and mortar style shopping, go back to trading post style. Take orders at the front, they pay, wait for the goods to be neatly packaged for them, then leave with goods. It halts all shoplifting and people can have the same selections.
A major advantage of brick-and-mortar is that you can browse and look at things up close. Lose that, and there's very little reason left not to shop online.
Re: Dollar Tree is the latest retailer to say shoplifting is squeezing margins
#64Re: Dollar Tree is the latest retailer to say shoplifting is squeezing margins
#65Pretty sure I’ve seen at least a few articles saying Dollar Tree and or Family Dollar ruin neighborhoods all in the name of profit. Serves them right.
Re: Dollar Tree is the latest retailer to say shoplifting is squeezing margins
#66Earlier quoted context omitted.
What would you have the state do?
The state, using its various powers such as monopoly on use of force, could: 1. Intervene and prevent the loss 2. Prosecute perpetrators of theft as a deterrent
> Intervene and prevent the loss
You think the government should be responsible for placing security guards in private businesses? Is that where you want your tax money to go?
Re: Dollar Tree is the latest retailer to say shoplifting is squeezing margins
#67OTOH you shouldn’t necessarily trust what corporations say about this. https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/06/business/walgreens-shopliftin...
OTOOH, I have worked in SF for 24 years. Back then I don't think I ever saw anyone shoplift. I'm sure it happened, but I never personally witnessed it. In the last year or so, I have personally witnessed people shoplifting in various SF retail establishments probably more than 30 times. On only two occasions have I seen anyone attempt do anything to try to stop the perpetrator. In my opinion, I think the CNN article…
Walgreens made $32 billion in profit last year and they announced all of these store closings about 4 years ago. They're looking to change business models, but it's easier to blame store closures on shoplifting to save face for leaving communities. They have acknowledged this in city council hearings.
Re: Dollar Tree is the latest retailer to say shoplifting is squeezing margins
#68Earlier quoted context omitted.
The state, using its various powers such as monopoly on use of force, could: 1. Intervene and prevent the loss 2. Prosecute perpetrators of theft as a deterrent
> Intervene and prevent the loss You think the government should be responsible for placing security guards in private businesses? Is that where you want your tax money to go?
In California, it is generally unlawful to defend property. So, like I said, either the state needs to do it for me with its sovereign right to use of force, or it needs to step aside.
I left California, so I really don't care.
Re: Dollar Tree is the latest retailer to say shoplifting is squeezing margins
#69If you're stealing from Dollar Tree, you're either truly needy or just in it for the thrill of being antisocial. Their stuff hasn't got any value in the store, much less fenced.
They often sell products that are just overstocked elsewhere. Near me, they've lately been selling bags of Starbucks brand coffee for their typical $1.25, and my wife used to buy a brand of juice that easily cost 2-3x that much elsewhere.
I mean, even if that is the case, how much did Dollar Tree pay for that coffee to resell it for $1.25 per bag?
These guys said they loss $100 mil to shrinkage? Or, did I read that wrong?
Re: Dollar Tree is the latest retailer to say shoplifting is squeezing margins
#70Earlier quoted context omitted.
Is anyone truly needy enough to shoplift? I’m not sure how we would get good data but I’ve known a lot of shoplifters and none of them needed the food.
I like this reasoning. To take it further, is anyone truly needy enough to shop at a dollar tree? I’m not sure how we would get good data, but I suspect everybody has what they need at all times based off of the fact that I’ve never known anyone that is starving.
Almost 10% of children in the US are food insecure, 60% of Americans can't afford a $1,000 emergency, and 40% can't afford a $400 emergency. We also have a homeless population of 500,000 and rapidly growing. Do you happen to live in a place that's considered to be a bubble?