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Spanish retailers are facing losses of up to €591 million during Semana Santa because of stock loss, according to a new retail theft study. The figure covers theft, administrative errors and fraud by suppliers, and represents 1.1% of the total revenue of distribution companies in Spain.

 

The report, the Barometer of Theft in Retail Distribution, promoted by Checkpoint Systems, says this is one of the toughest times of the year for shops. Around 21% of all thefts suffered by retailers happen during Semana Santa, which makes the holiday period a particularly difficult one for businesses already trying to stay on top of busy trading.

 

One of the most worrying findings is the role of repeat offenders. The study says 51% of external thefts are carried out by people who commit three or more thefts a year. Experts also warn that these offenders are becoming more aggressive, which only adds to the pressure on shop staff and retailers.

 

The average value stolen in each incident is €195.58, although 83% of thefts are worth no more than €150. That suggests many incidents involve fairly low-value goods, but the repeated losses still add up to a serious hit for retailers.

 

Some products are hit harder than others during Semana Santa. Oils stand out in particular, with theft of these items having increased sharply in recent years. Food and drink are also heavily targeted, especially canned goods, smoked products, sausages and cheeses. Wines and spirits also appear high on the list of stolen products.

 

Fashion is another area that suffers, with footwear the most vulnerable item, followed by underwear and lingerie. In beauty and personal care, colognes and fragrances are the most commonly stolen items.

 

Technology is not spared either. Headphones are the most frequently stolen product in that sector, closely followed by smartphones. In DIY and home improvement, light bulbs top the list of items most often taken during this period.

 

Shop theft is not just about one or two missing items. For many retailers, it becomes a steady drain on both stock and profits, and Semana Santa only makes that challenge worse.

 

 

Image: digital representation