Dummy Packaging Tackles Shoplifting
The cost of living crisis is felt by businesses as well as families. Yet, many retailers also face the financial burden of shoplifting. One measure to reduce products being stolen is the use of dummy retail packaging. These are simply branded retail boxes with nothing inside.
Coop Switch to Dummy Packaging
In 2023, shoplifters were stealing an average of 1000 products a day from Coop stores. Something needed to be done to deter thieves and curb the issue. One of the measures introduced by the small supermarket was to display dummy packaging on the shelves.
Customers could fill their basket or trolley with the dummy retail packaging and then exchange the empty boxes for the product at the tills. This created more work for staff and was less convenient for shoppers, yet it was one way to reduce losses.
New UK Laws to Address Shoplifting
The UK Government has announced plans to tackle the growing wave of shoplifting, abuse of retail workers and anti-social behaviour. These promise tougher action including fines, bans or a prison sentence for those convicted.
Will these new laws be enough to better protect retailers from criminal activity? Or, are we likely to come across more use of dummy packaging in our supermarkets?
