(Republicanwire.org) – Walgreens has blasted a left-wing lawmaker after she tried to minimize the wave of organized thefts afflicting US retailers. The pharmacy chain says stores aren’t exaggerating – the problem is bad enough some stores have been forced to close.
On December 3, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) claimed the organized pillaging of retailer stores like Walgreens complained about this year isn’t actually happening. She told the Washington Times the theft allegations, although cited by Walgreens in California, are not supported by data.
The response from Walgreens was rapid and furious – which probably isn’t a surprise. In November, the chain closed not one, but five, stores in San Francisco, CA, after theft became so serious it wiped out their profits. Walgreens says organized theft is one of the biggest challenges they’re facing, and they’re backed up by the Retail Industry Leaders Association, which said “the Congresswoman has no idea what she is talking about.” Multiple stores have released security camera footage of gangs clearing out shelves, confirming beyond a doubt the problem is real.
Other lawmakers also intervened. Representative Jim Banks (R-IN) called AOC’s statement “tone-deaf,” and an offense to the family of a security guard shot dead last week at the scene of a smash-and-grab robbery.
Not surprisingly, AOC’s office has not replied to requests for an explanation of her comments.
