Have You Ever Five-Finger-Discounted Something in Montana?

Have You Ever Five-Finger-Discounted Something in Montana?

Don't worry, I'm not putting together a list.  But have you ever stolen something from a store?  Like a candy bar?

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Even the cheapest of items stolen can cost a retailer.  And in recent years, those retailers have chosen to lock up items as a result of shoplifting and theft.

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We may find that an incredible inconvenience at times, especially for everyday items that normally wouldn't be.  Like underwear.  Who is making off with so many tighty-whiteys that both Target and Walmart chose to padlock them?

Almost 1 in 4 Have Shoplifted, even in Montana

According to a survey by LendingTree, 23% of Americans have shoplifted.  And of those that do attempt that five-finger discount at the local five and dime, 52% get away with the crime.  Which makes recuperating the loss even harder for the retailer.

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What seemed odd for me were the items that were being stolen most according to the survey.

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Those items included:

1. Food and nonalcoholic drinks
2. Clothing, accessories or jewelry
3. makeup or cosmetics

Pretty much everyday items that folks need to live.  Not electronics, firearms or for that matter vehicles.

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Retail Theft Costing Millions of Dollars in Montana Each Year

Across Montana, retail theft runs into the millions for owners of businesses, regardless of size or whether local or chain stores.  In data for the year 2022 from Capitol One Shopping, Montana lost $298 million to retail theft.

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While that is a staggering number, it is eclipsed by the amount that is lost to return fraud.  Data shows that Montana retailers lost an estimated $323 million in sales revenue, bringing lost retail sales up to $621 million.