A few VC readers, most notably Dan Simon, have pointed out the dependence of the reported shoplifting results on the shoplifting of organized gangs. Here is one indicative, and to me surprising, discussion:
Organized gangs are stealing bulk quantities of over-the-counter drugs such as Advil and other popular consumer items including baby formula, razor blades and home pregnancy tests. The stolen goods are sold to a buyer who repackages and resells the merchandise. “We’re not talking about your garden variety shoplifter,” said Ty Kelley, director of government relations for the Food Marketing Institute, a Washington trade group representing food retailers and wholesalers. “These are professional gangs who have a shopping list and go into stores and sweep the shelves.”
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