Major retailer takes drastic action to stop theft with brand new ban – and it will affect every shopper

A BIG pharmacy has announced that night shoppers have been banned from using large bags in one of their stores.

Executives at a Walgreens store in Greensboro, North Carolina, instituted the policy to crack down on shoplifting.

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The policy went into effect Jan. 31 and affects shoppers who use the store at night, according to the Rhino Times.

A statement reportedly said: “We are currently NOT able to allow large purses or bags in the store.

“Sorry for any inconvenience.”

However, the measure was only introduced in one pharmacy.

It is unknown if Walgreens will implement a similar policy nationwide.

A worker told the Rhino Times that shopping carts and baskets were also removed at night to curb theft.

Theft is an ongoing problem for retailers in the US, not just Walgreens.

According to the 2022 National Retail Security Survey, retailers lost around $100 billion to so-called shrinkage.

Businesses have resorted to implementing tactics to reduce theft-related incidents.

Walgreens was among the drugstores that locked items like medicines in boxes.

The policy has been blown by customers having to wait for a staff member to open the closet.

Walmart is among the supermarkets that have stored items behind Plexiglas.

However, some buyers have criticized the policy, claiming it has a negative impact on the customer experience.

Angela Hakopyan told the LA Times, “Sometimes you have to call [for a store employee] and when they are busy you have to wait.

CUSTOMERS AFFECTED

“If I really need something, I’ll wait. It’s annoying.”

An alarm sounded when a customer picked up the anti-theft device at a Walmart store in Wilkes County, North Carolina, while looking for vitamins.

Walgreens had increased the number of security guards at its stores, CNN reported.

But CFO James Kehoe admitted, “We probably over-invested and could back down a bit.”

Walgreens appeared to find that private security was “largely ineffective” at fighting theft.

Kehoe revealed that security personnel can only attempt to apprehend a suspected shoplifter before police arrive.

Retailers have also protected goods such as meat and poultry with spun film.

DIFFERENT STRATEGIES

An alarm is attached to the product and the device will sound if the item is stolen.

Some retailers have taken to installing anti-theft signage in stores.

While others use security stands in the electronic aisles to hold in place cell phones used for demonstrations.

But Lowe’s has resorted to an invisible strategy to deal with serial shoplifters.

The measure, called Project Unlock, consists of radio frequency identification (RFID) chips, scanners and blockchain.

The technology activates legitimately purchased power tools and renders stolen items ineffective.

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