Locking Up Essentials Pushes Shoppers to Amazon

Retailers' anti-theft measures drive consumers online, impacting sales and store closures

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy notes increased customer migration due to locked cabinets in stores.
A Harris Poll found 71% of shoppers are deterred by anti-theft cases, with 89% of Gen Z avoiding affected stores.
Sales can drop 15-25% due to locked merchandise, according to anti-theft tech company Indyme.
Retail theft concerns have led to hundreds of store closures at chains like Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid.
Despite the customer shift, Amazon's Q2 earnings underperformed market expectations.