In an effort to combat organized shoplifting, Loblaws-owned Atlantic Superstore locations are rolling out plexiglass barriers around the perimeter and self-checkout areas of their stores. While the grocery chain maintains that this measure is crucial for preventing theft, it has sparked debate among customers and industry experts.
Critics argue that the barriers compromise the shopping experience, making it more difficult for customers to navigate the store and interact with staff. Sylvain Charlebois, director of Dalhousie University’s Agri-Food Analytics Lab, highlights the lack of transparency regarding the extent of shoplifting losses and questions whether the inconvenience caused by the barriers is justified.
In addition to concerns about customer experience, some shoppers have expressed safety concerns about the partitions, questioning whether they could pose a fire hazard. Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency is investigating the matter to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Loblaws declined to provide data on the prevalence of theft, stating that organized crime is a serious industry-wide problem affecting safety and security. The company maintains that plexiglass partitions have been proven effective in preventing theft while preserving a positive customer experience. They emphasize that the barriers comply with all safety and regulatory guidelines.
