SHOPPERS are outraged about a new anti-theft policy put in place, with some people revealing they have refused to cooperate. ..Read Full Article
The grocery store Giant announced that it will be banning large bags in some of its Washington D.C locations, sparking a public outcry.
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“You’re being treated inhuman. You shouldn’t treat people like that,” Sharon Wingate told local NBC affiliate WRC-TV.
A mother was shocked when she was refused entry into one of the locations after carrying a diaper bag.
“They looked at me and told me I could not bring my baby bag. Think about it, it’s a baby bag,” customer Myeshia Mitchell said.
“I have a child. Why am I not allowed to bring a baby bag in there? Because of the people that steal,” customer Myeshia Mitchell said.
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One customer claimed they were refusing to listen to staffers who might try to enforce the company.
“They can go to hell. If I got one, imma take it in,” he said.
A RISE IN CRIME
Giant announced that starting May 23, multiple locations will no longer be allowed bags larger than 14” x 14” x 6”
The drastic move was caused by an uptick in shoplifting at the store.
“The retail theft we are experiencing across our market area is a problem that affects everyone,” the store revealed in a statement.
“It limits product availability, creates a less convenient shopping experience, and, most critically, puts our associates and customers in harm’s way.”
“We need to be able to run our stores safely and profitably, and we take these responsibilities seriously.
“The tactics we deploy are only one of the solutions to our problem.”
Theft has been a major issue for the company in recent years.
The U.S. Sun has previously reported that Giant has taken Colgate, Advil, and Tide from the stores, per The Washington Post.
Diane Hicks, the senior vice president of operations said the company felt they had no other choice than to pull the everyday products.
“I’ve been leaving it out for our customers and unfortunately, it just forces all the crime to come to us.”
Ira Kress, the president of Giant Food, revealed that these products have become non-profitable due to the level of theft.
“We want to continue to be able to serve the community, but we can’t do so at the level of significant loss or risk to our associates that we have today,” he explained.
MORE BAG BANS
Harris Teeter, which is also located in Washington D.C has announced that it will not be allowing large bags into its store as well.
Under the new policy, shoppers are no longer allowed to bring duffel bags or suitcases into the store.
This includes roller bags or oversized backpacks.
However, customers were shocked when they added a receipt check policy as well to curb theft as well.
“I will hand them my receipt and keep walking on out,” one person wrote on Facebook.
“We gotta check ourselves out after waiting in a long line, then show the receipt to someone who could have checked us out, and now we have bag restrictions? [Harris Teeter] is doing THE MOST!”
Another person echoed their concern, writing, “I’m not showing them a receipt, but I will show them my canister of mace on my keychain if they get in my face.”
The grocery chain previously explained it was necessary for the company.
“These measures will help us maintain a safe shopping experience and continue providing the best service and goods at competitive prices to our customers,” a spokesperson told ABC affiliate WJLA-TV.
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