We Need Your Help!

We Need Your Help!

by Michelle Franklin, Nob Hill Store Team Leader

The other day a member asked me what they should do if they saw someone shoplifting.

I was really glad they asked because it gave me the opportunity to enlist some help with a large, ongoing problem.

Data from the supermarket industry suggests that 2% of customers shoplift at an average amount of $12 per incident.

The Co-op averages 1,000 customers daily. When you do the math, this translates to a potential $1,680 per week in losses.

We would like to think that our customers are more honest than most, but even if we cut this amount in half, we lose over $43,000 annually to shoplifting!

Nob Hill has a particularly difficult scenario, because we have a back door. It is often suggested to close it and force all customers to go through the front.

Eighty percent of you park in the back and use the back door and this would make for a huge inconvenience, so we would very much like not to have to do this.

In an attempt to discourage shoplifting, we will be asking to see receipts at times when you exit the back door.

Thank you for your cooperation in this.

If you witness someone conceal something or simply acting suspicious, please inform a staff person immediately.

Our staff is instructed on how to interact with shoplifters and will follow up on the situation.

Also, panhandling is not allowed on Nob Hill Center property, including the parking lot.

If you are approached, please let staff at the Info Desk know so they can call security.

As Co-op owners, we have a stake in ensuring a safe shopping environment and limited losses from theft.

Please feel free to talk with me if you have suggestions or concerns around this issue.