Scott and Sadie
Home » Are We Going to Stop Locking Up Deodorant? Walgreens Says It’s Been “Largely Ineffective”

Are We Going to Stop Locking Up Deodorant? Walgreens Says It’s Been “Largely Ineffective”

Walgreens has admitted that locking everything up to combat shoplifting has backfired . . . because shoppers have stopped buying the stuff that is locked up. The CEO says the locks have been “largely ineffective.”

Remember when you could shop at the store without having to buzz an employee over every five minutes to open up a locked cabinet . . . just to get deodorant and toothpaste?

It may SEEM like we’re headed toward EVERYTHING being locked up . . . but there’s hope for a more sensible future.

The CEO of Walgreens just did an interview with “Fortune” magazine, and he said Walgreens had a 52% increase in theft . . . or “shrink” . . . in 2020 and 2021, so they invested in increased security, like all those locks.

But it backfired, because it turned away ACTUAL business.  He said, “[It’s been] largely ineffective . . . when you lock things up . . . you don’t sell as many of them.  We’ve kind of proven that pretty conclusively.”

He stopped short of saying that they’d take them out . . . but he did say they’re working on other, “creative” solutions to tackle the shrink problem, while improving the in-store experience for people who ARE trying to buy things.

Does it drive you nuts when the product you need is locked up? Would you switch stores, skip the item, or wait for someone to help? Share your shopping frustrations in the comments below!

(Fortune / Archive)

Scott and Sadie

Meet Scott and Sadie: the anti-heroes of morning radio turned podcast renegades. Scott’s 40 years in broadcasting have left him fluent in snark, while Sadie’s nepotistic origins (thanks, Mom!) brought the unfiltered charm that made them a Northern Colorado favorite. After corporate radio ghosted them harder than a bad Tinder date, the duo ditched FCC babysitters and went full rogue. Now, they’re back with a podcast that’s equal parts wit, sarcasm, and a big middle finger to mediocrity. Loyal fans, curious newcomers, or algorithm strays—welcome to the chaos.

Let us into your inbox!

Spam is delicious when diced and scrambled with eggs and cheese. Spam sucks when it's in your email. We promise never to spam you or sell your info - we'll just send you a daily email about our latest podcast and the stuff on our site.
* = required field

Follow us

Social media: the digital dumpster fire where your aunt’s conspiracy theories meet your cousin’s MLM pitches, and everyone’s a keyboard warrior with the IQ of a houseplant. It’s a wretched hive of scum, villainy, and thirst traps—but hey, we’re there too! So, come swim with us in the muck and give us a follow. At least our nonsense is funny on purpose.

Let us into your inbox!

Spam is delicious when diced and scrambled with eggs and cheese. Spam sucks when it's in your email. We promise never to spam you or sell your info - we'll just send you a daily email about our latest podcast and the stuff on our site.
* = required field