Crime|
The Cost of Shoplifting to the Retail Industry This story pertains to one of the oldest forms of crimes against the retail industry--shoplifting. We will explore the historical evolution of shoplifting, with particular emphasis on current shoplifting trends. The focus is on the negative impact this crime has had on the retail industry.
Many of us have read recent stories concerning famous stars/personalities and their encounters with the law as a result of shoplifting incidents. Just a few months ago, Winona Ryder was arrested for taking $4,760 in clothes from the Beverly Hills branch of Saks Fifth Avenue. Desite the fact she pleaded not guilty, many contend that it will be very difficult for her to provide a solid defense in light of the evidence currently in place against her. These and other shoplifting incidents have provoked considerable attention to be devoted to shoplifting and its impact on the retail industry. Despite the fact many may consider shoplifting to be a rather new phenomenon, historians tell us that it dates back to the 19th century. In fact, the frequency of events regarding women who stuffed their corsets with swag was so frequent that in 1890 a new term was coined for this act--kleptomania. Fortunately, psychiatrists no longer believe that kleptomania originates in the uterus. Despite this, it is still considered a psychiatric condition that affects some people in our society. Some individuals are likely to commit this crime or engage in this behavior due to their constant pursuit of a "rush" to commit an act that is illegal. Others, however, may engage in this behavior in order to support their expensive drug habits. Regardless of why an individual engages in shoplifting, it is estimated that the cost to the retail industry is of 13 billion dollars a year. This astronomical amount is caused by individuals who engage in shoplifting 800,000 times a day. According to experts, most of the thefts, which are committed by employees, could be prevented if retail corporations would implement ethics-related courses. This would allow employees to develop, or strengthen, institutional loyalties that would work against the selfish act of shoplifting. http://retailindustry.about.com/library/weekly/01/aa011124a.htm Read about the losses that are incurred annually by businesses due to high incidents of shoplifting. http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/1710000/images/_1710311_winona300.jpg http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/entertainment/showbiz/newsid_1796000/1796857.stm Visit this site and learn about Winona Ryder's shoplifting-related charges. Winona Ryder was accused of shoplifting the following amount: $2,200 $4,760 $5,000 None of the above B Shoplifting dates back to the following century: 17th century 18th century 19th century None of the above C What is the shoplifting-related cost to the retail industry? How can corporations prevent shoplifting incidents? Regardless of why an individual engages in this particular behavior, it is estimated that the cost to the retail industry is of 13 billion dollars a year. This astronomical amount is caused by individuals who engage in shoplifting 800,000 times a day. According to experts, most of the thefts, who are committed by employees, could be prevented if retail corporations would implement ethics-related courses. This would allow employees to develop or strengthen institutional loyalties that would work against the selfish act of shoplifting.