Retail fatalities in the US fell by 29% in 2024, marking the first major decline in years, according to the latest report from The D&D Daily.
Overall, there were 438 fatal retail incidents last year, resulting in 482 deaths across the country.
Among those fatalities, 246 were customers, 122 were employees, 96 were suspects and 18 were law enforcement or security personnel.
“After five straight years of rising retail fatalities, which became supercharged during the pandemic, 2023 hit a plateau. In 2024, we finally saw a major decline,” said Gordon Smith, D&D Daily’s crime and ORC editor.
“Industry efforts, as well as law enforcement initiatives and new legislation in states across the country, appear to be making a difference.”
However, the study also highlights a concerning trend of violent incidents increasingly occurring inside stores rather than in parking lots.
In 2024, 52% of fatal incidents occurred inside a store or mall, while 44% took place in parking lots. In 2017, just 37% of fatalities took place inside a retail setting.
“While the overall numbers are heading back in the right direction, it’s definitely a troubling sign that more violence is moving into the stores,” Smith added.
Convenience stores and restaurants remain the most frequent targets, with weekends proving to be the most dangerous period.
Los Angeles and Houston recorded the highest number of retail fatalities.
“Last year’s decline in the number of fatal retail incidents is definitely a positive development for an industry that has become consumed with crime in recent years,” Smith concluded.
“But retail is still a top target for violence, and the industry — along with its law enforcement and lawmaking partners — must remain proactive in implementing measures to keep customers and associates safe, especially as more violence takes place inside the stores.”
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