I discovered why otherwise normal and law abiding people shoplift, much to my sorrow. Keep reading as it amuses you to do so.
So I'm up in Sylvania, Ohio visiting my brother California Dave, yeah? I lost my favorite reading glasses about a week ago and have been wearing the various emergency back-up cheaters that I find stashed among the flotsam and jetsam of El Dumpo, otherwise known as The Shack. Most of these glasses are usable even if somewhat damaged. Well, I naturally forgot to bring a pair, and the cheaters that I keep in the console of my car have vanished, so I eventually sobered up enough to drive down to the local CVS Pharmacy and get shafted for a new pair.
This whole business wouldn't be worth mentioning if not for something I ate that turned my digestive tract into an industrial level biology experiment. So Pepto Bismol as well as spectacles, and this has to be a quick trip.
- Pepto Bismol: $14.19
- Reading Glasses: $37.99
The high prices charged by merchants is, I think, the main reason people shoplift.
3 comments:
The Pepto you didn't have any options on, but I would have left the glasses on the shelf. And resolved to never shop at CVS again. I would have driven 50 miles (after the other situation was resolved) to get a set at a fair price somewhere else.
For shoplifting, things get more complicated. Price is sometimes a factor, but rarely in the hardship sense where people are stealing food to eat. That same CVS would tell you that the prime shoplifting targets are cosmetics and beauty supplies along with other high-value luxuries. The usual rationale is that the store is big, has lots of money, they can afford the loss and the shoplifter is entitled to steal because little guy vs. big store. Yes, other motivations exist, but this is a major one.
After enough losses, the store gives up and closes. The same people who regularly boosted stuff now wail about the loss to the community.
Neon Madman: Nice to hear from you!
I didn't know about cosmetics, etc., being the most common items stolen, but it makes sense. Thieves can rationalize it easily - I want it, they have so much, I'll just help myself. I have a convenience store nearby and one day I watched as a teenage black girl just walked out with a shopping basket filled with items - mainly cosmetics.
Sailorcurt: Thanks for the comment. You're quite right. I don't steal things, and it isn't my intention to encourage anyone else to steal.
Since there are no real local stores left, I just order off Amazon. If my wife doesn't like it she just returns it. Our little town got a Dollar General. It is actually a decent little store. Employees locals. The old Market is of course a beer and snack store and has gotten worse since Dollar General came to town. I have mixed feelings about both stores but dislike Wallmart.
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