In an effort to tackle rising theft in its stores, Greggs has undertaken a trial to replace its self-serve refrigerated sections with over-the-counter service. This initiative is currently being tested in at least five locations, including a store in Whitechapel, east London. The chain, with over 2,600 branches across the UK, has made this change specifically in areas experiencing higher levels of shoplifting, indicating a targeted approach rather than a nationwide overhaul.
Greggs' spokesperson stated, “This is one of a number of initiatives we are trialling across a handful of shops which are exposed to higher levels of anti-social behaviour.” The decision reflects a growing concern across various sectors about protecting staff and customers from the escalating trend of shoplifting, which has recently reached alarming levels across England and Wales.
Notably, police statistics reveal that shoplifting offences have soared, exceeding half a million cases for the first time, representing a 20 per cent increase from the previous year. This spike has prompted retailers to implement various preventative measures; a Greggs branch in Southwark, for example, has resorted to using D-locks on its drinks fridge, while other locations report more creative solutions as staff take security into their own hands during this crisis.
Despite these challenges, Greggs has made significant strides in business performance. In its latest trading report, the company announced a pre-tax profit of £203.9 million for 2024, an increase of 8.3 per cent compared to the previous year. The chain has attributed this growth to its strategic expansion of new shops, extended opening hours, and recent price increases on its popular offerings, including a rise in the cost of its traditional sausage roll to £1.30.
However, the context of this success is complicated by the current economic climate. Many customers continue to experience financial strain due to the cost-of-living crisis, which includes rising energy prices and housing costs. This financial uncertainty may be influencing consumer behaviour and, by extension, sales figures.
Despite crossing the £2 billion sales mark for the first time in 2024, the company’s share price took a hit, dropping over 12% following this announcement. Analysts have pointed to several reasons for this downturn, including an overall slowdown in like-for-like sales, which came in at just 1.7% during the first nine weeks of 2025, significantly lower than the previous year's figures. Poor weather and waning consumer confidence are thought to have contributed to these disappointing results.
While Greggs has demonstrated resilience in adjusting its operational strategies amid rising theft and economic pressures, the landscape remains challenging. Retailers across the board, including larger supermarkets like Sainsbury's, are similarly adapting to combat retail crime. Sainsbury's, for instance, has employed advanced monitoring systems at self-checkouts to deter theft, highlighting that the issue of shoplifting is not isolated to any single chain.
As Greggs continues its trial of the over-the-counter model and evaluates its broader implications, the company remains focused on maintaining a balance between operational security and customer service. The bakery chain's ongoing adjustments may not only help address the immediate challenges of theft, but also play a crucial role in shaping its future stability in an evolving retail environment.
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Source: Noah Wire Services