Retail Security Measures Costing Stores 38% of Sales as Shoppers Abandon Purchases
Event summary
- DALBAR and Competitor IQ surveyed 500 North American shoppers in April 2026, revealing 38% abandoned purchases due to in-store security measures.
- Locked merchandise cabinets and access restrictions were identified as the primary friction points.
- Most shoppers already feel secure in stores, but visible theft significantly impacts future shopping behavior.
- AI and surveillance technology are preferred by customers over physical barriers for loss prevention.
The big picture
Retailers face a growing challenge as theft prevention measures alienate honest customers, driving them to competitors or online platforms. The tension between security and convenience is costing stores significant sales, with 38% of shoppers abandoning purchases due to friction. As theft continues to rise, the industry must find smarter, less intrusive solutions to retain customers while protecting inventory.
What we're watching
- Security Innovation
- How retailers will adopt AI and surveillance technology to balance loss prevention with customer convenience.
- Revenue Impact
- The pace at which lost sales from security measures will force retailers to rethink their loss prevention strategies.
- Customer Behavior
- Whether the reputational cost of visible theft will drive more shoppers to online alternatives.
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