- Organized retail crime has contributed to a $94.5 billion inventory-shrink problem for the retail industry.
- Companies from Walgreens to Target have been sounding the alarm on growing retail theft for months.
If you see containers of Tide detergent locked up in your local Walmart or Target, you may have organized retail criminals to blame.
A 2022 survey conducted by the National Retail Federation found laundry detergent to be among the most stolen items in organized retail crime, which has contributed to a $94.5 billion inventory shrinkage issue for the retail industry.
These crimes aren't as simple as a lone shoplifter pocketing a product. Instead, criminal organizations are stealing large quantities of goods and reselling them for profit.
And organized retail crime is not the $10,000 jewelry heist you see in the movies, Jake Stauch, the director of product for the security company Verkada, previously told Insider.
Rather, he said a group of individuals that "specialize in a certain category," like thermal coats, steal the goods in thefts or "smash-and-grab" jobs where they break into the retailer, and then resell the goods through new distribution channels like online marketplaces or sell the goods back to local retailers.
Here are the most popular items targeted for organized retail crime as identified by the National Retail Federation, in no particular order.
Apparel
- Denim
- Designer apparel
- Activewear
- Intimates
Electronics
- Appliances
- Charging cords
- Smartphones
- Headphones
- Vacuums
Health and Beauty
- Medication (allergy and pain)
- Fragrances
- Blades and razors
- Cosmetics
- Body wash
Accessories
- Designer handbags
- Fashion and fine jewelry
- Belts
- Watches
- Designer sunglasses
- Branded eyewear
Footwear
- Men's and women's footwear
- Athletic shoes and sneakers
- Designer shoes
Home Furnishings
- Bedding
- Home goods
- Housewares
- High-end mirrors
Home Improvement
- Power tools and equipment
- Outdoor and seasonal tools
- Wire
Office Supplies
- Ink cartridges
- Printers
- Toner
Food and Beverages
- Meat
- Seafood
- Candy
- Alcohol
- Energy drinks
Children's Items
- Infant formula
- Infant and toddler items
- Children's toys
Other
- Detergent
- Tobacco
- Pet Medication
- Travel items
- Physical and electronic gift cards