The author is handwavingly wondering aloud if shoplifting is responsible for the cost of living crisis, spurred on by new shittier checkout procedures. No, it'

The author is handwavingly wondering aloud if shoplifting is responsible for the cost of living crisis, spurred on by new shittier checkout procedures. No, it's demonstrably not. I shop from a few small local grocery stores within walking distance that haven't changed their checkout systems in years, in a nice neighborhood in downtown. The prices had skyrocketed regardless.