Could 7-Eleven close stores in Winnipeg because of theft?
CBC and other news outlets say that 7-Eleven could shut down some 10 7-Eleven locations in the city of Winnipeg over growing concerns about theft and the safety of its staff in the stores.
The CBC report says that Mynarski Councillor Ross Eadie and Point Douglas Councillor Vivian Santos met with 7-Eleven Canada officials, including the company’s CEO, to talk about the issues and the possibility of the company closing the stores.
Currently, 7-Eleven Canada has 45 locations in Winnipeg. The stores that face possible closure are located at:
- 119 Salter St.
- 665 McPhillips St.
- 120 Keewatin St.
- 891 Arlington St.
- 1485 Inkster Blvd.
- 815 Ellice Ave.
- 456 Talbot Ave.
- 1184 Portage Ave.
- 1895 Wellington Ave.
- 909 Lorette Ave.
READ: 7-Eleven Canada readies to sell beverage alcohol in Ontario
According to Global News Winnipeg Councillor Santos said that the company’s executives asked for the meeting to talk about the increase problem of theft and what that theft means for staff safety.
“(They wanted) to discuss some of the safety concerns surrounding their employees, as well as the crime and the loss of revenue that their stores are facing in the North End — (and) one in River Heights and one in the Old Kildonan ward,” Santos said to Global News Winnipeg. She added that thieves are stealing food, drinks, cigarettes and in the process harassing employees.
According to the CBC report, the store located at Salter and Flora in Winnipeg experienced more than $323,500 worth of thefts which have become an almost daily occurrence.
In December of 2023, the Retail Council of Canada (RCC)launched a national theft blitz during the month of December to raise awareness of retail crime and its impact on Canadian businesses.
According to the (RCC), shoplifting has increased across all categories including food, apparel, and footwear merchandise adding to inflation and a growing re-sale market for stolen goods. The RCC says that retailers report that incidents of retail theft that involve some form of violence had increased 300% over the past four years.
“Employees and customers shouldn’t be worried about encountering violence when they are in a retail establishment,” said Diane J. Brisebois, president and CEO, Retail Council of Canada. “Violent and aggressive behaviour is increasing at an alarming rate and we look forward to collaborating with community partners on raising awareness, sharing resources, and implementing actionable solutions to reduce retail crime.”
Convenience Store News Canada has reach out to 7-Eleven for more information and comment on this developing story.
