That's an interesting article, as the headline claims it's due to shoplifting and crime, but almost every representative interviewed in it says otherwise: > Ex

That's an interesting article, as the headline claims it's due to shoplifting and crime, but almost every representative interviewed in it says otherwise: > Experts blame not only crime but also drugstores’ stepped-up security measures — most notably locking merchandise behind plexiglass, forcing customers to call and wait for store clerks for everything from shampoo to painkillers. To avoid hassles, shoppers are skipping drugstores altogether and buying more essentials online. > “Decisions are NOT based on shoplifting or crime alone,’ a CVS spokeswoman told The Post when asked about the recent shutterings. “Many factors are considered when closing a store, including population shifts, consumer buying patterns, store and pharmacy density, pharmacy care access, and community health needs,” the spokeswoman added. > The Chicago-based pharmacy chain, which has around 8,700 locations nationwide, said that one in four of its stores are unprofitable and that its is looking to “improve our customers’ in-store experience.” > A Walgreens rep told The Post that the closings are driven by increased “regulatory and reimbursement pressures” that are “weighing on our ability to cover the costs associated with rent, staffing, and supply needs.” > “A few years ago, I thought we were too heavy with drugstores on almost every block,” said Tom Harris, president of the Times Square Alliance, a nonprofit that promotes development in the district. So these chains built a ton of stores, made them unpleasant to shop in, and then—surprise!—discover that they're losing money. In fact the only person interviewed who actually complained about theft: > A spokesperson for Rite Aid said, “Like many in the industry, we are seeing a higher level of brazen shoplifting and organized retail crime. We are taking an active role in helping law enforcement in their pursuit of shoplifters, as well as continuing our efforts to educate community leaders on the impact of retail theft and advocate for solutions.” Wasn't even quoted as saying it's the reason that they're closing stores, just that it's a problem. Is it one of the reasons? Probably, yeah, but the author of this article couldn't even find a statement that linked the two.