A family I know operated a grocery store in “the hood” for 3 generations - it was opened well before it became “the hood.”
They were there for such a long time, the locals knew and respected them as the only grocery around for 5+ miles. They were able to control pilferage etc... but as the neighborhood declined, ability to stay in business declined
They sold it 2 years ago to an Arab family. The fresh vegetable section disappeared, a large liquor section went it, and the cash registers all went behind plexiglass.
The key for small retail operating in an urban environment is to have all the employees be relatives.
Zero outsiders = zero employee theft.
Otherwise the business will be robbed blind in the back room.