Branches of dm pharmacy remove specific items from their inventory
In response to a surge in retail theft incidents, particularly targeting high-value products, German drugstore chain dm has decided to bolster its security measures. The move aims to prevent losses and better secure products that are more prone to being stolen.
Since the pandemic began, retail thefts have been on the rise, with 426,096 reported incidents in 2023 alone. DM's stores have not been immune to this trend, experiencing a significant increase in thefts, primarily affecting expensive perfumes, certain facial creams, and branded razors.
To address this issue, DM is securing these high-value items by locking them away behind the counter. Staff members must be asked to retrieve a product from the locked glass case, who will then bring it directly to the checkout. The products to be locked away in stores are determined on a regional and individual basis.
The decision by DM aligns with broader challenges in the pharmaceutical and retail supply chains, where enhanced security and regulatory oversight are necessary to address theft and mismanagement risks. High-value or controlled substances require stricter management practices to avoid shrinkage and protect inventory.
This measure may give certain citizens pause due to its implications. However, DM is also investing in other security measures, such as CCTV, securing goods with certain magnets that trigger an alarm when removed from the store, and staff training.
The specific products being removed from DM's stores have not been specified, but they are not limited to cigarettes and tobacco products. Discount stores and supermarkets have been securing certain products for years, and from autumn 2025, Kaufland will introduce a similar measure, locking away certain products in all stores.
The aim of this measure is to combat the increasing number of thefts. The system in place ensures that these products are not easily accessible to customers, making it harder for thieves to target them. While the actual figure of thefts may be higher due to the bureaucratic effort often outweighing the value of the stolen goods, the steps taken by DM demonstrate a commitment to protecting its inventory and maintaining a secure shopping environment for its customers.
The consumer lifestyle shift towards premium home-and-garden products, fueled by deals-and-discounts offered by retailers, has indirectly contributed to the surge in retail theft incidents. Consequently, DM's shoppers might find it more challenging to access expensive perfumes, certain facial creams, and branded razors in the future, as the chain invests in stricter security measures to combat theft.
