Anti-theft measures are backfiring on sales, Walgreens CEO says [Video]

SAN DIEGO — Retailers that keep toothpaste and deodorant under lock and key may have to pivot. Walgreens is the first to admit that anti-theft measures are only proving to backfire on sales.

We live in a fast-paced society – what you need can be delivered to your doorstep, overnight so going into the store and having to wait even a few minutes for a clerk to unlock your item, the CEO says, is leading to a drop in sales.

They’re trying to balance shoplifting, with customer convenience.

“It saddens me that we have to come this far,” a shopper, Jody Garcia said.

According to Parag Amin, a business attorney and analyst, everyone has faced an increased amount of security for basic necessities, such as toothpaste, deodorant and soap.

Just last year, more than $100 billion in losses were reported, due …