One of every four shoppers in Australia believes that shoplifting is justifiable amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, according to a recent survey.
The Australian Consumer and Retail Studies (ACRS) unit at Monash University surveyed 1001 shoppers across Australia last June, asking them questions about the cost of living and consumer deviance.
The survey emphasised the perception of shoppers on shoplifting, which is the only form of consumer deviance that negatively affects retailers. The majority believe that shoplifting is not justifiable at all.
However, 44 per cent of the participants said that it is justifiable to taste a fruit in a supermarket without buying it.
In addition, 40 per cent said that it is justifiable to take supplies from the place of employment while 37 per cent believe it is justifiable to scan items as cheaper items when using self-checkout terminals.
And 32 per cent said that it is justifiable to not scan some items when using self-checkout counters.
An estimated 30 per cent responded it is justifiable to change price tags on products in a retail store while 28 per cent said it is justifiable to take an item without paying for it.
Other forms of theft that gained a significant number of “justifiable” responses are manipulating deals and promotions and returning used goods for a refund.
“We wanted to understand if and how consumers are changing their spending habits to relieve these financial pressures, and how justifiable certain deviant behaviours such as retail theft, are to consumers in the current climate,” said lead researcher Stephanie Atto.
The survey also showed that shoppers are spending more on essentials such as housing, groceries, and insurance while reducing spending on non-essentials such as takeaway and clothing. Basket sizes of most of the shoppers are the same in the last six months.
The majority said that they are pessimistic about their personal finances and business conditions, with middle-aged consumers being the most pessimistic about their current financial situations.
