Kroger announced late last week that it has joined the Buy Safe America Coalition, described as "a diverse group of retailers, consumer groups, manufacturers and law enforcement who support efforts to combat organized retail crime and protect consumers and communities from the sale of counterfeit and stolen goods."
“As retailers nationwide continue to battle organized retail crime, Kroger looks forward to partnering with the Buy Safe America Coalition to put an end to this public safety risk,” said Mark Stinde, Kroger’s vice president of asset protection. “We are proud to support the coalition’s efforts to pass the INFORM Consumers Act, which will bring much-needed accountability to online marketplaces filled with goods stolen from store shelves.”
The announcement notes that "organized retail crime has plagued the country in recent years, and the losses from these large-scale thefts are costing American businesses billions of dollars annually. The stolen goods are frequently sold on online e-commerce platforms, where there is minimal verification of seller identities. Store employees have also been put at serious risk as organized retail crime rings become increasingly violent and brazen. The surges have spurred businesses to take swift action to protect both employees and customers."
