Co-op stores are locking away everyday products such as chocolate, coffee and honey as the cost of living crisis causes a surge in shoplifting.
In a Co-op in Manor House, north London, many items across the shop are now in thick, plastic GPS-protected security boxes to stop people from stealing them off the shelves.
Toiletries are also among the goods locked up, with sun cream, moisturiser and nose spray among the protected items.
Previously some stores had labelled dummy goods on the shelf, telling shoppers to ask for them if they wanted to buy them, and there were security tags on baby products.
But the change in approach means items such as a fruit and nut bar selling for only £1.35 are security protected.
A shop worker from the branch said they have had to take the measure due to shoplifters in the store.
But the change in approach means items such as a fruit and nut bar selling for only £1.35 are security protected.
A shop worker from the branch said they have had to take the measure due to shoplifters in the store.
The Rationale Behind Locking Away £1.35 Chocolate Bars
“Things like coffee, even chocolate, are being stolen so much, so we have done this.
“Now, if you want to buy something in a box, bring it to us, and we can get it for you.”
A Co-op spokesperson said: “Protecting the safety of our colleagues is a priority, and we know shoplifting can be a flashpoint for violence against shopworkers so, so whilst this is not a nationwide policy, a decision to implement product security measures at a local level will be made if a store is experiencing a particular issue.”
The firm has trialled security packaging on higher-value items for several years.
‘Protecting the safety of our colleagues is a priority, and we know shoplifting can be a flashpoint for violence against shopworkers so, so whilst this is not a nationwide policy, a decision to implement product security measures at a local level will be made if a store is experiencing a particular issue.’
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), shoplifting has risen by 20% compared with the year ending September 2021. The crisis has meant the weekly grocery shop has gone through the roof. Many people are struggling to buy the basics due to the cost of living crisis (Picture: SWNS)
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It looks set to remain that way, given inflation remains stuck at 8.7%, according to the latest figures from the ONS. The agency said the Consumer Price Index (CPI) – which tracks how fast the price of a typical basket of goods has gone up – headtopics.com
The cost of living crisis in the UK has been cited as a critical reason for UK shoppers buying 47% cheaper Easter egg options compared to luxury offerings, writes Neill Barston.
According to figures from data analysis group Reapp, significant hikes in inflation over the past year, impacting significantly retail prices (with some categories going up well over 20% in the past 12 months), consumers have continued to tighten their belts on treat spending.
Results from the organisation’s studies found that bargain-hunting Brits have snapped up just under 450,000 eggs in the affordable price range across two major supermarkets already this year – accountable for nearly 20% more than what sold in 2022.
Adapting to Changing Consumer Spending Patterns amid the Cost of Living Crisis.
Figures from Reapp found that sales of luxury eggs have dropped 37% in the run-in to Easter, to £278,000) in sales volumes.
In addition, the average price of luxury Easter eggs increased by 15% in 2023 (£1.35 per unit), affecting critical decision-making in Brits’ average weekly shop.
Easter eggs in the more affordable price range of £3.00 saw a slight decrease in price Y-O-Y by 5%; with Easter 2023 the first chocolate-filled bank holiday under HFSS regulations, retailers have had to adapt sales techniques to minimise leftover stock at the end of the Easter period.
The rise in supermarket thefts amid an extreme cost of living crisis has seen many security items tagged or advertised as “display only”.
But now, for the first time, chocolate is unable to purchase easily at the Blackhorse Lane Co-op branch in Walthamstow, London.
A shop employee said it was necessary; he told the MailOnline: “We have had to do it because of shoplifters.
“Things like coffee, even chocolate, are being stolen so much, so we have done this.
