A new LendingTree survey of 2,000 Americans found that 30% admit to shoplifting at some point, up from 23% just two years ago. Most of those respondents pointed to inflation and financial strain rather than anything else, and LendingTree’s Matt Schulz says the true figure is probably higher since some people won’t admit it even anonymously.
The survey also revealed what’s actually being taken, and it’s not high-end merchandise. Think a loaf of bread and a pound of ground beef from the local grocery store. Schulz says the findings help explain why more retailers are scaling back self-checkout lanes, since shrink is a growing concern for stores watching their bottom line.
For Suncoast families feeling the pinch, Schulz and consumer advocates point to food banks and community organizations as better options than risking a criminal record. In our area, All Faiths Food Bank and the network of pantries serving Sarasota, Venice, and North Port are ready to help. Have rising grocery prices changed how your household shops this year? Tell us on our Facebook page.
