Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

Unpacking Fashion’s Crime Wave

Amid a wave of high-profile incidents of theft and violence, big retailers are taking increasingly drastic steps, including closing stores and beefing up security.

Cathaleen Chen

29 September 2023

BoF PROFESSIONAL

The retail industry’s instinct is to downplay shoplifting and other crimes. While “shrinkage” represents a multi-billion-dollar annual problem, companies don’t want shoppers to worry they’ll brush up against criminals while browsing for pants or lipstick, let alone witness a full-on heist.

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Dick’s Sporting Goods Claims Retail Theft Lowered Profits

Dick’s Sporting Goods saw reduced profits in the second quarter of the year, blaming an increase in retail theft, also called “shrink” or “shrinkage” in the retail industry.

Target to Shut 9 Stores Across 4 US States Amid Rising Retail Crime

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Organised crime rings in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Houston are targeting retail inventories, causing more financial loss, according to a report by the National Retail Federation (NRF), a trade group representing US retailers.

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Malls across the US have been ‘flash robbed’ by groups of about 20 to 30 suspects stealing retail merchandise.

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About the author

Cathaleen Chen

Cathaleen Chen is Retail Editor at The Business of Fashion. She is based in New York and drives BoF’s coverage of the retail and direct-to-consumer sectors.

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Unpacking Fashion’s Crime Wave

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Dick’s Sporting Goods Claims Retail Theft Lowered Profits

Target to Shut 9 Stores Across 4 US States Amid Rising Retail Crime

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