The Walmart supermarket chain faces its stores in the United States at absolute record of theft which could impose strong decisions, such as the closure of several branches and even price increases, which would push inflation.
“Theft is a problem. It’s higher than it has been historically,” he said CNBC the CEO of the multinational Doug McMillon.
The estimate, according to the company, is that the theft approximately cost Walmart $3 billion a year.
According to the executive, Walmart copes a problem with no visible solution, as each of the branches has police support; however, the thefts continue.
“We have security measures which we implement based on the store’s location. I think staffed local law enforcement and a good partner are part of the equation,” added McMillon.
McMillon explained that given the continued theft of merchandise, customers will be the most affected and run the risk of price increases
Merchandise theft is not unique to the Walton family chain. Michael Fiddelke, chief financial officer of Target, said the retail theft generated losses of $400 million in the last fiscal year, in addition to growing by 50%.
The problem is that these robberies are not isolated or small, but are organized by criminals who generate grand theft, they said.
Source: Clarin
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.