Dollar General is implementing significant changes to address the persistent issue of retail theft affecting its stores nationwide. The retailer is set to remove certain high-theft items and is also moving away from self-checkout systems, which have been identified as vulnerable points for shoplifting, according to a report by Fox Business.
In a strategic shift, Dollar General’s CEO Todd Vasos revealed that the company has been actively converting stores to reduce reliance on self-checkout. “As part of its plan, the chief executive said the company converted approximately 3,000 additional stores away from self-checkout in May, totaling 12,000 total locations that have been converted since the beginning of the fiscal year,” Fox Business reported.
The move comes amid broader concerns in the retail industry about the challenges posed by self-checkout technology. Inside Edition highlighted in a 2022 report the extreme measures some grocery stores are taking to tackle what has been described as “out of control” shoplifting.
Breitbart News has also covered the issue extensively, noting that the increase in shoplifting and theft at self-checkouts has been a major problem for retailers. The systems, which depend on customers to scan and register their purchases, can inadvertently provide opportunities for theft. This has prompted some stores, like Safeway in California’s Bay Area, to remove self-checkouts altogether.
In addition to removing certain self-checkout registers, Dollar General has been proactive in other areas to curb theft. “The company had outlined a plan in March to remove self-checkout registers from 300 stores that had the biggest issue with shrink during the first half of the year,” according to Fox Business.
Dollar General’s efforts reflect a significant commitment to tackling the challenges of retail theft head-on, adapting their strategies to ensure a safer and more secure shopping environment for customers and staff alike.
