Remedy To Prevent Shoplifting

Mersha · ‎03-10-2010

I received an email from a business in the midwest that I purchased from online. They also have a brick and mortar store. They indicated they are having a problem with shoplifting and need to institute something to prevent it.

They sell furniture, lamps, rugs, curtains, and assorted other pieces that are handmade. My opinion is it is on the "upscale" side.

The following is part of the email:

"Effective January 1,2024, we will no longer allow large to over-sized purses or backpacks, nothing larger than 9" x 7". To make it as convenient as possible we will be providing brand-new secure lockers with a key near the front counter. This will keep your belongings secure and convenient for you."

If I walked into the store with a "larger" handbag (which I usually do carry) and advised to turn it in for lockup, I would most likely leave the store with a definite negative vibe.

Would this policy work for you in order to visit this store or not?

"My desire to be well informed is currently at odds with my desire to remain sane."

BoopOMatic · ‎06-08-2021

@Mersha wrote:
I received an email from a business in the midwest that I purchased from online. They also have a brick and mortar store. They indicated they are having a problem with shoplifting and need to institute something to prevent it.

They sell furniture, lamps, rugs, curtains, and assorted other pieces that are handmade. My opinion is it is on the "upscale" side.

The following is part of the email:

"Effective January 1,2024, we will no longer allow large to over-sized purses or backpacks, nothing larger than 9" x 7". To make it as convenient as possible we will be providing brand-new secure lockers with a key near the front counter. This will keep your belongings secure and convenient for you."

If I walked into the store with a "larger" handbag (which I usually do carry) and advised to turn it in for lockup, I would most likely leave the store with a definite negative vibe.

Would this policy work for you in order to visit this store or not?

*************

Yes.

Shoplifting costs businesses millions of dollars, and is passed onto the consumer with higher prices.

I would welcome it.

Trinity11 · ‎11-16-2014

No. I don't need anything that badly, I would shop in such a store. I shop in Tiffany's and Neiman's and I guarantee their merchandise is worth just as much and they don't lock up my handbag. The very idea is comical to me.🙃🤣

santorini · ‎03-09-2010

I would be fine with that policy. I have zero sympathy for criminals so anything they can do to deter illegal activity is welcomed by me.

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

I doubt their "solution" will be much of a deterrent to thieves as it sounds like most of their merchandise wouldn't fit in a handbag or backpack anyway. How are people stealing things like lamps and rugs?

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment

SaveTheTurtles · ‎10-09-2023

@Mersha I once visited a large antique store in WI and I was carrying a larger sized purse. There was a sign up saying that you had to leave it at the front or don't bring it in. While I can see both sides to this and I am not a shoplifter I was taken aback when the clerk confronted me as I did not see the sign nor was I expecting that. Since my husband and I really wanted to walk thru the shop I returned to the car with my purse and put it in the trunk. This shop was in a rural town that we would not be returning to. We did not buy anything. I could have very easily opted to not go in at all.

Effie54 · ‎09-08-2010

Shoplifting has become an epidemic, and consumers have to pay for it. I would wear a small crossbody purse, so it's not an issue. Though I can't imagine their policy is going to stop many shoplifters who are trying to steal large items, such as carpets, lamps, and furniture. I do believe steps have to be taken to stop shoplifters; maybe guards at the door.

CelticCrafter · ‎03-09-2010

No, I would turn around and leave.

AuntMame · ‎10-16-2010

When I was in college, more years ago than I care to admit, stores around campus had that policy, especially book stores. They required shoppers to leave backpacks and any shopping bags or totes at the front of the store. I still find an occasional store that requires that. Never bothered me. Shoplifting is a huge financial drain on stores, especially small ma-and-pop businesses.

Icegoddess · ‎03-19-2010

Last week, I went to my first concert in years. I had to walk through a metal detector and then the lady spied my purse. It wasn't that large, but it was larger than the venue allows, so my son-in-law took my purse back to the car, and it certainly was parked farther away than the parking lot of a stand-alone B&M store. I grabbed my wallet, my phone, and my glasses and put them in my coat pocket.

We've also changed how we pack things to travel by air. So, it's not a huge deal to me if it will stop stealing. I rather doubt it will though.

When I used to go to Market in Atlanta, everybody brought these rolling carts as a place to store their purchases as you walked around the market. However, if you decided to go up to the other floors into the stores, you had to leave your rolling cart outside the door.