Posted on 10/28/2023 2:01:58 PM PDT by ransomnote
Retailers say theft is exploding, and some data from retailers along with numerous videos of violent store robberies and looting seem to support the claim.
But some retail analysts and researchers, bolstered by local crime statistics, say stores may be over-stating the extent and impact of theft. Why? It’s a useful deflection, camouflaging weak demand, mismanagement and other issues denting business right now. And it forces lawmakers to respond.
Across the country, the “actual increase in rates of theft” at stores does not “correspond to the increase in company commentary and actions” on theft, according to a new report by retail analysts at William Blair.
SNIP
But a host of other issues, from inflation to rising costs, are impacting retailers, too. Theft is just one of many structural issues chains are facing, most notably the shift to online shopping and over-expansion of brick-and-mortar retail.
“Companies are also likely using the opportunity to draw attention away” from lower profit margins due to higher promotions and poor inventory planning in recent quarters, William Blair retail analysts Dylan Carden and Phillip Blee said in a report this week. Many retailers misjudged how much merchandise they needed to carry and now have a glut.
SNIP
Alex Vitale, a professor of sociology at Brooklyn College who studies policing, said business leaders had turned retail theft into a “moral panic” to mobilize a stronger police and criminal justice response.
“It shows us the way certain crimes in certain moments get mobilized far beyond their impact to play into a set of political and social debates,” he said.
(Excerpt) Read more at cnn.com ...
They are back to their old tricks. So the Biden admin must be subsidizing them to keep them from bankruptcy...
Exactly. I like their idea that this is a sneaky ploy by merchants to get a “stronger police and criminal justice response,” which is apparently a big no-no.
Who needs arrests and prison? Stealing from stores is just A-OK and stores should realize that it is their duty to fund the thug life-style. Of course, I guess it’s the duty of all of us, since we’re paying higher prices to make up for people who pay nothing at all.
Yes, like we do with our hard earned tax money to PBS and NPR, created so someone could have the progressive voice break through the capitalists’ monopolistic hold on all the other outlets. Hilariously absurd.
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) receives a congressional appropriation each year of about $500 Million assigned to NPR and PBS.
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Does anyone believe CNN?
Why? It’s a useful deflection, camouflaging weak demand, mismanagement and other issues denting business right now. And it forces lawmakers to respond.
Sweet God Almighty in His Heaven there is no end to their perfidy and deception!!! Wow!!!
The margins retail works on are slight enough that the rampant looting (and that’s what it is) is enough to destroy profitability.
“It shows us the way certain crimes in certain moments get mobilized far beyond their impact to play into a set of political and social debates,” he said.
Seriously — I will buy you a Wagyu steak dinner if you can translate this BS for me in a believable
You and I are lying scumbag racists.
The poor wording in the title alone is enough to fire Nathaniel Meyersohn. Should start with “Retail Chains” or something like that. Chains are often made of metal and have links.
All those other issues were there before, but now there’s “shopping cart full” levels of theft, but that isn’t of concern for the anti-business Communists.
CNN is so corrupt morally.
Thieves are stealing whatever they can get their hands on. Even bronze vases from cemeteries.
Yup, CNN HAS sunk that low. And somehow, both of their viewers still believe them.
And the supposedly rising number of murders is masking faulty treatment by emergency room doctors who didn’t have enough DEI training.
Shrink is tax deductible.
We need to take away that incentive to tolerate it. And abuse it.
Which puts me in mind of a quote...
A truth that's told with bad intent, Beats all the lies you can invent.
William Blake
The only thing is shows is that the virtue signaling and ass kissing they did to Obama and his domestic army didn’t pan out.
There was a solid business reason why they didn’t build or open stores in those areas. Now we will be inundated with stories and documentaries about the single mom who couldn’t get her sick child life-saving medicine because a greedy company left her neighborhood. Or the old person relegated to eating pet food because the greedy grocery chain store shuttered.
This is classic nauseating stupidity.
“But a host of other issues, from inflation to rising costs, are impacting retailers, too. Theft is just one of many structural issues chains are facing, most notably the shift to online shopping and over-expansion of brick-and-mortar retail.”
1) inflation and rising costs are the same thing, ergo the author is a moron.
2) the shift to online shopping began 25 freaking years ago. So why in 2022 did retailers start lying to cover up the effects of online shopping by blaming their losses on the apparent theft by apparent people with apparent bags full or merchandise apparently being on videotape apparently running from the store without paying.
“Alex Vitale, a professor of sociology at Brooklyn College...”
As for retail theft; I live in a relatively crime-free small town. But brandy and cognac are kept locked up at our local supermarket, while $100 bottles of Scotch are on the open shelves. I wonder why that is?
hey CNN... who be doin’ all da stealin’?
Retailers are probably not filing police reports on the shoplifters because nothing will be done.
We had a spell during the COVID lockdown where we were being hit on a regular basis. We stripped the trucks is of anything pawnable and even left the doors unlocked to save replacing broken windows. It’s been awhile since we’ve been hit
The more power democrats get the more that violence becomes the new currency. Get yourself armed, get trained.
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