Retailers are facing ‘shrink’ from an increasing ‘organized retail crime’ threat—but UBS says it won’t last

(Credit: Lindsey Nicholson—UCG/Universal Images Group/Getty Images)

Retailers have struggled to cope with an alarming surge in theft over the past few years. What started as a few stores being targeted in at-risk areas amid pandemic lockdowns and persistent inflation has become an “epidemic” of large-scale, systematic “smash and grabs” by well-coordinated groups, according to some industry veterans.

“This isn’t the random shoplifter anymore,” Home Depot CEO Ted Decker told CNBC last week, adding that he fears for the safety of his employees.