STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- While many big-box chains now lock up merchandise as a means of combatting theft -- requiring shoppers to buzz for help in releasing a stick of deodorant or pack of disposable razors -- at least one retailer has publicly admitted that the practice is bad for business.

In a Q1 2025 earnings call, Walgreens Boots Alliance CEO Tim Wentworth admitted that its approach to tackling shoplifting at its stores has backfired. Per Fortune, Wentworth spoke about the state of the company,

Walgreens is struggling to deter shoplifting at its stores, according to CEO Tim Wentworth, who described it as "a hand-to-hand combat battle still, unfortunately."

Walgreens CEO discusses the ongoing struggle with theft prevention in stores, citing locking items as ineffective.

In an earnings call, executive Tim Wentworth conceded that locking products up might not be the best move for boosting sales.

Walgreens’ strategy of locking up merchandise — from deodorants to bags of M&M’s — to deter theft has backfired, according to CEO Tim Wentworth. “It is a hand-to-hand combat battle still, unfortunately,

Despite efforts to prevent retail theft, Walgreens reported a 32% in "shrink," or a loss of inventory that can’t be accounted for through sales.

In a Q1 2025 earnings call, Walgreens Boots Alliance CEO Tim Wentworth admitted that its approach to tackling shoplifting at its stores has backfired. That’s a likely result as an increase in asset protection usually leads to a dip in sales,