Walgreens Announces a "Significant" Number of Stores Expected to Close Thanks to Theft

Walgreens stores are popular destinations for many Americans, offering services that range from filling prescriptions and printing photos to grocery shopping. Over the years, the chain has evolved from a pharmacy into a hybrid doctor's office, supermarket, and convenience store. 

With its extensive selection of products and savings through coupons and a loyalty program, Walgreens has become a go-to for everyday essentials — and a great place to save on these items.

However, this diverse inventory has also made Walgreens a prime target for shoplifters. CFO James Kehoe recently informed shareholders that Walgreens and other retailers are facing increased incidents of organized theft. 

"It's not somebody who can't afford to eat tomorrow," explained Kehoe. "These are gangs that actually go in and empty our stores of beauty products."

Adding to its challenges, Walgreens announced plans on Thursday to close many underperforming stores across the U.S. due to ongoing profitability issues and declining margins. 

Sales at stores open for at least a year fell by 2.3% compared to the same quarter last year, which the company attributed to a challenging retail environment, increased promotional activity, and higher shrink levels, including theft.

Here are the 14 most commonly stolen goods you'll likely see under lock and key on your next run to Walgreens — if they are there at all.

According to some Walgreens employees on Reddit, single-serve multi-packs of wine are the most commonly ripped-off goods in the store. Think airline bottles of Sutter Home. "I wish people would just take the [explicit] box too when they steal," said one annoyed employee. "I'm tired of finding empty boxes all over the store."

"I hate that too…why just take one or two bottles?" another fed-up employee added. "If you're bold enough to steal, then just take all of them."

These popular pimple patches are known for being a gentle yet super-effective way to banish zits. They work quite well — so well, in fact, that many Walgreens stores have them sealed in tamper-proof boxes.

One clerk even said the pimple patches that "work" are the ones that get stolen, so if your brand isn't in theft-proof packaging, you might want to consider switching.

Razor blades — especially the nicer models — can be a high-dollar item and are among the most commonly stolen goods. These stolen cartridges are frequently resold at flea markets, on street corners, or in less-than-by-the-books corner stores.

Many families rely on baby formula, but due to recent shortages and its already high sticker price, a one-year supply can cost upwards of $2,280, leading many to steal. If you need formula on your next store run, a clerk will probably need to unlock the case for you. Or they might just bring the canister directly to the register to make sure you don't forget to pay.

At least shoplifters are wearing clean clothes. Tide and other laundry detergents are other big-ticket items that are frequently stolen. Like razors and cigarettes, Tide holds street-value currency where it can be traded for cash or other goods.

Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are a common target for theft, and cough syrup is especially in demand. Thieves are after the illicit ingredients in the cough syrup, used to mix with drinks or make methamphetamine.

Candy and snack goods are small, inconspicuous, and easy to pocket.

Cosmetics are in high demand, can have a high sticker price, and are usually easy to hide in a pocket or bag. Increasingly, many cosmetic items are in locked cases or under heavy surveillance, like live video monitoring and theft-deterrent mirrors.

Small in size yet needed by everyone, phone charging cords are another common target for theft — especially when these goods are easily resold online. Other phone accessories like charging blocks and phone cases are also pocketed.

Some Walgreens actually have toothpaste in locked cases. Like lotion and cosmetics, it's a small household good that everyone (hopefully) uses and comes in an easy-to-steal size.

Shampoos — and other hair care products like conditioner, gel, and styling creams — also top the list of commonly stolen goods. While it's not fancy jewelry or electronics, stolen shampoo can be resold online or in other brick-and-mortar stores.

Yes, sticks of Suave, Old Spice, and Degree are commonly locked up in Walgreens stores. Deodorant — along with toothpaste, lipstick, and other small, higher-price items — are craved products: concealable, removable, available, enjoyable, and disposable.

Sunglasses are another easy-to-steal item. They're not just easy to pocket. Brazen thieves can put them on their faces and walk right out of the store.

Walgreens employees on Reddit share that Nicorette gum is another high-theft item. Nicorette has a large resale market among looking-to-quit smokers who balk at the in-store prices — often $57 per pack or more.

With soaring inflation and an eager after-market for stolen goods — where consumers are unaware they're buying hot merch — shoplifting at Walgreens is a persistent, unfortunate truth.

Walgreens is fighting back, so you can continue shopping there and keep more money in your wallet. It continues to take anti-theft measures to deter would-be pickpocketers and collaborates with other retailers to go after organized crime rings.

While it can be annoying that the shampoo or skin care you want to pick up is under lock and key, consider it a good sign that these goods work so well that people want to steal them.