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Combating Organized Retail Theft

Organized retail theft rates have significantly spiked and stolen goods are passed off as legitimate merchandise to be sold in online.

Retail crime remains a significant issue across the U.S. Here's how Congress can work together to address this challenge.

Businesses, employees, and consumers pay the price of rising retail crime and cargo theft.

On the front line

"Like most areas, the COVID-19 pandemic changed the times and frequency customers visit our shop, which has impacted our operations. We’ve also seen a rise in crime, both stealing and property damage at our shop and in the neighborhood, as well as an increase in trash, abandoned personal belongings, drug paraphernalia, and human waste in the areas around our shop."

Organized Retail Crime on the Rise

Communities and businesses large and small across the United States are facing a significant increase in retail theft and organized retail crime that requires the swift response of policymakers.

Read our letter to Congress

What is organized retail theft and why does it matter?

  • $700 thousand
    Organized retail crime cost stores an average of over $700,000 per $1 billion in sales in 2020--up more than 50% in the last five years.
  • 54% of small businesses
    54% of small business owners experienced an increase in shoplifting in 2021
Economy
Rising Retail Theft: Here’s What Business Owners Need to Know

Communities and businesses large and small across the United States are facing a significant increase in retail theft and organized retail crime. Here's what policymakers should do.

Learn More

What's been done?

  • The House has passed the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA) by a 348-60 margin and the Senate is working to include it in the annual National Defense Authorization Act.
  • The U.S. Chamber continues to meet with lawmakers and their constituents with retail crime roundtables in Iowa, North Carolina, and Utah.

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