Tired of rampant store thefts that are scaring off residents and shoppers, Long Beach is trying to force stores to increase staffing and reduce reliance on self-checkout.
The coastal city of about half a million people last month began demanding major food retailers and pharmacies do more to stop theft. So far, these measures have led to heated debates and long queues.
Employees like the new law. Retail chains warn that the restrictions could have unpleasant consequences. Buyers are confused.
The city's “Safe Stores are Staffed Stores” ordinance is the first of its kind in the country. It requires large stores to have more employees than at self-checkout counters, and also places limits on the number of items and types of items that can be rang at self-checkout counters.
It's the latest flashpoint in the national debate over how to deal with what some call an epidemic of shoplifting. This problem affects the quality of life of consumers who are tired of witnessing theft or taking measures to stop it, such as locked shelves.
Long Beach's ordinance will protect employees and customers from dangerous situations, said Matt Bell, secretary-treasurer of UFCW 324, the union representing grocery store workers.
“On the front line in this matter are security officers and cashiers,” he said. “There really is a need to provide them with security and improve staffing.”
City officials said they passed the ordinance to “improve public safety and prevent retail theft,” citing “hostile and unsafe” conditions. According to the ordinance, thefts are common and are not reported at self-checkout counters.
Rampant shoplifting is a growing problem across the country, forcing stores to beef up security and lock up frequently stolen merchandise.
According to the National Retail Federation, cases of shoplifting in the US increased by 93% from 2019 to 2023. In 2023, retailers surveyed by the federation reported an average of 177 retail thefts per day.
Long Beach regulations require a large store to have at least one employee for every three self-checkout lanes it uses. It sets a limit of 15 items per customer for self-service. Meanwhile, according to the ruling, any items locked in a drawer in a store can no longer be purchased through self-checkout.
Because the ruling will force retailers to either hire more people or reduce the number of self-service kiosks, California Grocers Assn. warned that consumers could face longer lines and higher grocery prices.
In response to demands, some Albertsons and Vons stores in Long Beach have closed their self-checkout lanes.
“We are currently unable to operate our self-checkout counters… due to a new City of Long Beach ordinance,” read a sign for customers at a Vons store in downtown Long Beach.
Target in Long Beach had five self-checkout lanes open, staffed by one employee. According to the ruling, the store will have to hire another employee to supervise self-checkout counters if it wants to open more stations.
Francilla Isaac, a shopper who lives in the area, said she has seen closed self-checkout lanes and long lines throughout the city.
“I use it a lot when I come here just to pick up a few items,” Isaac said of the self-checkout. “But now all the stores are the same, they are closed.”
Groups representing grocers and retailers such as Target and Walmart said the ruling would increase labor costs for employers, leading to higher prices on shelves. It will also reduce sales at stores that have closed self-checkout lanes.
“These efforts will ultimately harm self-checkouts,” said Nate Rose, vice president of the California Grocers Assn. “We're seeing a worst-case scenario unfold where a number of grocers have decided it's not worth keeping self-checkouts open.”
California Retailers Association. He said retailers need the freedom to decide for themselves what is the most effective way to combat theft.
“The problem with the Long Beach ordinance is that it’s so restrictive,” said Rachel Michelin, president of the association. “I think we'll see unintended consequences.”
Union leader Bell said grocery companies oppose the ruling because they don't want to hire more employees or increase the hours of their current staff. While stores may want to avoid hiring more people amid regular minimum wage increases, they may find that having to hire more people actually increases sales and efficiency.
“It has to be better for customers,” he said. “And that should really improve the profitability of companies.”
Lisa Adams comes to Long Beach every month from Utah with her husband to go boating. She misses the easy access to self-service checkouts and hopes they return soon, but they understand the need to combat theft in the city.
She witnessed the theft problem first hand.
“It was chaotic and loud,” she said. “This guy pretended to call and then ordered the door.”
