Growing concerns over retail crime are prompting many consumers to favour online shopping over in-store visits, according to new research from Flock Safety and Zencity.
The research reveals that nearly a third of shoppers see retail crime as a major issue, with 58% preferring ecommerce due to safety worries.
Those who have witnessed criminal activity in stores are even more likely to shift their spending online, with 63% opting for digital purchases.
Consumers are also noticing retailers’ efforts to curb theft. Around 63% have seen products secured behind locked cases or counters, while 59% report increased surveillance inside and outside stores.
However, these security measures come at a cost, with 51% of shoppers saying they have waited more than five minutes to access locked merchandise.
The data also reveals that shoppers widely back the use of technology to tackle theft.
Nearly half, 45%, back initiatives to curb organised retail crime, rising to 52% in metropolitan areas. License plate recognition cameras are also seen as an effective deterrent by 54% of respondents, and 62% believe security footage enhances store safety.
“The data shows that people don’t just want to talk about safety, they want action,” said Michael Simon, chief strategy officer at Zencity.
“American consumers want to feel safe while shopping, and are eager for retailers to adopt new technology to restore a safer, more welcoming, and more convenient shopping experience.
“It stands to reason that retailers who recognize this trend in public opinion and take action will be better positioned to encourage more in-store shopping from their customers.”
Retail theft remains a growing concern, with shoplifting cases increasing by 26% between 2022 and 2023, according to the National Retail Federation, and 42% of these incidents involving violence.
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