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MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Armed security guards checking receipts at the door are becoming a fixture at several Kroger locations in Memphis, and shoppers have mixed feelings about it.

Some customers say the added security makes them feel uncomfortable, while others have come to accept it as part of their shopping experience.

Security guards, sometimes armed and equipped with body cameras, are at multiple Kroger locations in Memphis that experience higher rates of theft.

 I really do wish they weren't there, but they're there, and I gotta shop at Kroger,  said Grant Twittle, a customer at the Kroger on Union Avenue.

Twittle described the guards as  a little intimidating,  but added,  they're regular people, and they're just doing a job. 

Grant Twittle (Action News 5)

Another shopper, who asked not to be identified, said the experience felt intrusive:  You go in there, and you got these security officers looking at you and looking in your bag and everything,  the customer said.

When asked about the added security at its Memphis locations, a Kroger spokesperson provided the following statement:

 Kroger is working with our suppliers to reduce grocery costs for our customers. You will notice we have reduced prices throughout our stores. We encourage customers to use our app for digital coupons and take advantage of our fuel and in-store rewards program. It's important for all customers to have access to fresh food. 

Retail leaders say the trend is not limited to Kroger. Security increases are becoming more common as inflation rises, according to industry representatives.

A LendingTree survey found that 30% of Americans admit to shoplifting, a figure that is up from 2024. Of those who admitted to shoplifting, 90% cited inflation and other economic factors as the reason.

Steve Goode, executive director of the Arkansas Retailers Association, said his organization has seen an uptick in theft across the industry.

 I think we've seen an uptick a little bit in theft,  Goode said.  You've seen things from added security to some of our reta

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