constant battle they have w/ shoplifters and the efforts these shoplifters go through, to get a five-fingered discount.

It’s a trend that’s been going on for years. It stands to reason that less staff means fewer people who can catch you shoplifting.

In-store activation sounds like a smart solution to the problem.

well, for starters, product could be held for randsome.

Oh yeah big corporations don't pay taxes so losses don't matter on their books. The orange at Home Depot is too loud. Give me Lowes blue any day.

How much federal tax? Your link is very long and I am not that curious.

a corporate income tax.

Revenue minus expenses equals profits. Income comes from wages and salary. Facts? Go Lowes.

Can someone do the math to figure out the percentage of loss in the above statement? I'm no math wiz, but that doesn't look like a large percentage. Maybe if stores would actually hire people to wander the deserted aisles there'd be less theft.

Shoplifting is just the latest media driven enragement.

Basically is 0.72 million $ / 1000 million $

With that said, it is measuring loss against revenue, not loss against profit.
So if they are operating at a very low margin, it could be a more significant loss.

Sounds like a good moral argument. I’m waiting for the explanation that they really need those power tools. Like is always made about people stealing baby formula and diapers to sell on the black market.

shareholders. The percentage they loose to theft is much smaller that the profit they make by eliminating employees. This is a problem of HD's own making, and they choose to solve it by using more automation.

Shoplifting is just the latest "outrage" tool used by the media to spread fear and anger.

Home Depot... The media... Automation
Maybe try blaming criminals. Because if they weren't actually breaking the law, maybe these things wouldn't happen.

We would get a lot of cases from Home Depot. They insisted on prosecuting shoplifters. We never, ever got a case from the Loews across the street though.
There's a lesson there, for those who want to learn it.

WTF is going on here? Did you tell your clients to go across the street for their shoplifting needs? Did you defend them because you thought it was wrong they were being punished for breaking the law?

Conclusions.
PS I defended them because that was my job. Just like someone will defend you when you get into trouble.

Sounds like some good lawyerly advise there.

Of theft. Some are very concerned about their employees
getting involved in incidents that could lead to serious injury.
That's a lesson one could learn.

Friend of a friend went through rehab years ago ago. One thing they told me about their meetings was that if they needed cash they just went to Walmart. Pickup some lawn chairs on the way in - no questions return policy - walk out with cash. No receipt needed at the time. They also did the same with things inside the store.

People would get arrested, dispose of their cases and a few months later they would get a letter from Walmart saying Walmart was imposing a 'civil fine' of $150 or so. Not sure if they still do that.
Obviously this sort of info is shocking to some, but those with a professional interest are well aware of it.

My nephew was with some kids goofing off in a Walmart and one of them stole a pocket knife. Everyone’s parents got a bill for $250 or $300 bucks. It was like five or six kids.

It’s civil case that only costs the filing fee.

Don’t show up and get a judgment PLUS attorney fees. Then a collection on your credit.

I didn't know of any law that gave them the power to impose ',fines'.
To quote James Thurber,: I say it's spinach, and I say to hell with it.

If I remember correctly, the civil penalties are set by statute at a multiple of the merchandise OR a minimum. They go after you for the minimum.

PS: I did look around the internet and apparently a merchant's lobby has gotten some states to pass the laws you describe. The practical consensus among people who claim to be lawyers on the internet is: Walmart ain't going to do nothing but write a letter.

I have not been to Home Depot for years due to their beliefs, but I was in a hurry and Home Depot was the nearest store; the store was packed and only 2 check out lanes open. I turned around and drove 3 miles to Lowes, the store was packed and all the check out lanes were open. Go to Lowes, much better customer service, Home Depot short staffs and uses the savings to buy off politicians - just my opinion.

Lowe’s is a long drive for me.

Menards is nearby. They are just as bad politics wise. Just not as vocal. Returns are a pain in the ass and prices are higher. They supposedly give you 11% back on purchases but I have yet to receive a single check.

Home Depot matches the 11% if you apply online. I have a wallet full of rebate gift cards (I’m renovating a house).

Lowe’s has a nice tool section and is definitely better run.

Menards is really well run but their tools suck - if they can sell a knock off of anything they do it.


Yeah, Home Depot definitely short staffs. And they are obviously miserable and poorly treated. They hide whenever they can

Because they will deliver a single item or a truckload for $20. Great deal.