Holiday shoplifters hit retailers

A study by Checkpoint Systems shows that holiday shoplifting accounts for about a third of all losses during a retail year. The Retail Holiday Season Global Forecast shows that 37 percent of a store’s annual shrink loss comes from shoplifting, employee theft, and fraud during the holidays. Shrink loss is the revenue a retailer should receive for its offerings minus what they actually receive.

“These increases in losses place an enormous burden on retailers and, ultimately, on honest consumers who pay for it in higher prices,” the report’s authors say.

Shoplifting is easier during holidays since stores are more crowded. And people seem to justify theft.

“It’s much easier to do so when a child’s Christmas present is at stake rather than an extra bathing suit for the summer,” the report notes.

According to the report, the most lifted items are:
1. Electronics accessories
(like cellphone cases)
2. Leather clothing
3. Electronics
4. Accessories
5. Winter clothing
6. Meat and seafood
7. Alcohol
8. Perfume and cologne
9. Children’s toys
10. Gourmet chocolate