Walmart stores across the U.S. are grappling with an uptick in shoplifting that could lead to higher prices and closed stores if the problem persists, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said Tuesday.
Theft is an issue. Its higher than what it has historically been, he told CNBCs Squawk Box.
Weve got safety measures, security measures that weve put in place by store location. I think local law enforcement being staffed and being a good partner is part of that equation, and thats normally how we approach it, McMillon said.
Walmart isnt the only big box retailer dealing with an uptick in theft. Last month, Target Chief Financial Officer Michael Fiddelke said shoplifting has jumped about 50% year over and year, leading to more than $400 million in losses in this fiscal year alone.
Most of the shoplifting is organized retail theft, rather than petty theft, Fiddelke said.
When asked on Tuesday about how local jurisdictions handle shoplifting cases, McMillon said a lax approach from prosecutors could impact prices and lead to store closures down the line.
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