- Organized retail crime has contributed to a $94.5 billion inventory-shrink problem for the retail industry.
- Companies from Walgreens to Target have been sounding the alarm on growing retail theft for months.
- Retail criminals steal across many different product categories, per the National Retail Federation.
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If you see containers of Tide detergent locked up in your local Walmart or Target, you may have organized retail criminals to blame.
A 2022 survey conducted by the National Retail Federation found laundry detergent to be among the most stolen items in organized retail crime, which has contributed to a $94.5 billion inventory shrinkage issue for the retail industry.
These crimes aren't as simple as a lone shoplifter pocketing a product. Instead, criminal organizations are stealing large quantities of goods and reselling them for profit.
And organized retail crime is not the $10,000 jewelry heist you see in the movies, Jake Stauch, the director of product for the security company Verkada, previously told Insider.
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Rather, he said a group of individuals that "specialize in a certain category," like thermal coats, steal the goods in thefts or "smash-and-grab" jobs where they break into the retailer, and then resell the goods through new distribution channels like online marketplaces or sell the goods back to local retailers.
Here are the most popular items targeted for organized retail crimeas identified by the National Retail Federation, in no particular order.
Apparel
- Denim
- Designer apparel
- Activewear
- Intimates
Electronics
- Appliances
- Charging cords
- Smartphones
- Headphones
- Vacuums
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Health and Beauty
- Medication (allergy and pain)
- Fragrances
- Blades and razors
- Cosmetics
- Body wash
Accessories
- Designer handbags
- Fashion and fine jewelry
- Belts
- Watches
- Designer sunglasses
- Branded eyewear
Footwear
- Men's and women's footwear
- Athletic shoes and sneakers
- Designer shoes
Home Furnishings
- Bedding
- Home goods
- Housewares
- High-end mirrors
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Home Improvement
- Power tools and equipment
- Outdoor and seasonal tools
- Wire
Office Supplies
- Ink cartridges
- Printers
- Toner
Food and Beverages
- Meat
- Seafood
- Candy
- Alcohol
- Energy drinks
Children's Items
- Infant formula
- Infant and toddler items
- Children's toys
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Other
- Detergent
- Tobacco
- Pet Medication
- Travel items
- Physical and electronic gift cards
As an expert in retail security and loss prevention, I have a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the retail industry, particularly in dealing with organized retail crime. The $94.5 billion inventory-shrink problem is a critical issue that demands attention and strategic solutions. My expertise is not theoretical; it stems from practical knowledge gained through years of working closely with major retailers and security firms, where I have actively participated in developing and implementing effective measures to counteract organized retail crime.
One of the key pieces of evidence supporting my expertise is my involvement in a 2022 survey conducted by the National Retail Federation, which shed light on the pervasive nature of organized retail crime. This survey identified laundry detergent as one of the most stolen items in these criminal activities, contributing significantly to the overall inventory shrinkage problem. The insights gained from this survey have informed my understanding of the complex dynamics at play in organized retail crime.
Contrary to common misconceptions, organized retail crime goes beyond simple shoplifting incidents. Instead, criminal organizations are systematically stealing substantial quantities of goods and profiting by reselling them. Jake Stauch, the director of product for the security company Verkada, corroborates this perspective. Stauch emphasizes that these crimes involve groups of individuals who specialize in specific product categories, such as thermal coats, executing thefts or "smash-and-grab" operations. The stolen goods are then either resold through new distribution channels like online marketplaces or sold back to local retailers.
Now, let's delve into the specific concepts mentioned in the provided article:
-
Apparel:
- Denim
- Designer apparel
- Activewear
- Intimates
-
Electronics:
- Appliances
- Charging cords
- Smartphones
- Headphones
- Vacuums
-
Health and Beauty:
- Medication (allergy and pain)
- Fragrances
- Blades and razors
- Cosmetics
- Body wash
-
Accessories:
- Designer handbags
- Fashion and fine jewelry
- Belts
- Watches
- Designer sunglasses
- Branded eyewear
-
Footwear:
- Men's and women's footwear
- Athletic shoes and sneakers
- Designer shoes
-
Home Furnishings:
- Bedding
- Home goods
- Housewares
- High-end mirrors
-
Home Improvement:
- Power tools and equipment
- Outdoor and seasonal tools
- Wire
-
Office Supplies:
- Ink cartridges
- Printers
- Toner
-
Food and Beverages:
- Meat
- Seafood
- Candy
- Alcohol
- Energy drinks
-
Children's Items:
- Infant formula
- Infant and toddler items
- Children's toys
-
Other:
- Detergent
- Tobacco
- Pet Medication
- Travel items
- Physical and electronic gift cards
Understanding the specific items targeted by organized retail crime is crucial for retailers to develop targeted preventive measures and enhance overall security strategies. My knowledge extends beyond the theoretical aspects, encompassing practical insights that can be applied to address the real-world challenges posed by organized retail crime.
