UK: M&S LIMIT NUMBER OF ITEMS ON SHELVES TO DETER SHOPLIFTERS

Thu 01 June 2023:

Certain M&S stores in UK have adopted the practice of showcasing a small number of expensive goods, such as steaks, while some Co-op stores have done the same with coffee jars, The Times reported.

This change is in response to an increase in theft cases amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The British Retail Consortium’s crime survey revealed eight million incidents of shoplifting between 2021 and 2022.

A customer at M&S’ Harrow store in northwest London noticed only three steaks on display and was informed by a staff member that the limited availability was intended to discourage shoplifting.

M&S spokesperson stated that limiting higher-value items on display is a common practice among retailers in stores with high theft incidents to ensure the safety of employees and customers. However, if customers require more of a specific item, store staff are available to assist.

cost of living reaching new heights, my local co-op is now a grocery show room. also ft periodic tannoy announcements from mitie security that their cameras are watching you. bleak af pic.twitter.com/C8u7n7zBMf

— laura (@laura_estah) May 28, 2023

Another Twitter user recently shared that their local Co-op store had introduced “dummy” jars of coffee. These empty products were labelled as not for sale, and customers were instructed to ask a staff member for assistance.

A Co-op worker responded, explaining that managing shoplifting is a challenge for food retailers, emphasizing the importance of protecting the safety of their colleagues.

To address rising crime levels, a small number of Co-op stores have implemented product security measures like the use of “dummy products.”

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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