The Impact of AI on Retail Theft: A Major Industry Study Reveals Surprising Findings

According to the National Retail Federation's latest survey, the impact of theft on retailers' profits has remained relatively consistent over the years, despite recent attention on the issue. Total retail shrink increased to over $112 billion in 2022, up from $93.9 billion the previous year, with external theft (including organized retail crime) accounting for the largest source of shrink. However, when reported as a percentage of sales, average annual shrink remained in line with historical trends. The survey also highlighted concerns over the increased violence associated with retail theft, with many retailers implementing measures such as reduced store hours and changes in product selection to address the issue.