The retail sector is dealing with a significant loss of consumer confidence, as a new survey from the National Retail Federation (NRF) found more than half (53%) of Americans stating retail crimes such as shoplifting and looting stores have increased in their communities since the pandemic took root three years ago – and this percentage is higher (57%) for residents in suburban areas.
The NRF survey, which polled 5,031 adults, found nearly two-thirds (64%) of respondents were concerned about gang-led shoplifting in their community – and that share goes up to 75% among those living urban communities. Three-quarters (75%) of respondents said they shopped in stores where products were kept in locked cabinets to avoid theft, while 79% complained retail theft impacts the price of goods that they buy.
As for bringing miscreants to justice, there isn’t much hope for that – slightly more than half of respondents (51%) said law enforcement and the courts were too lenient on those who steal from stores.
