What is the cost of an individual shoplifting a few items? Perhaps not much in the grand scheme of things but the truth is it is not just individuals and it is not just a few things.
Shoplifting (with the aid of liberal politicians) have made shoplifting a cottage industry. In California where they no longer prosecute shoplifters, you will find “homeless” camps around most big box stores. The “homeless” use these stores as their pantries.
In other places shoplifting is an organized sport. I would not be surprised if some don’t go in with shopping list.
So for those living in high crime areas the cost is higher prices if the stores remain open, or no stores within their area (so called food deserts).
Can the problem be solved? Yes, if we had the will. Unfortunately powerful groups actually like the way things are right now and they would fight any effort to fix the problem. So the answer is, we currently don’t have the will.
You need to understand profit margins. Lets assume a 5% profit margin after taxes, on a $10 item. So you make $.50. You have to sell 20 just to cover the cost of that single stolen item. If 2 get stolen, need to sell 40 to cover the theft.
The cost of 'shrinkage' is huge, and all stores should have intensive video surveliance and armed guards. But this is expensive, and why they choose to leave.