If you thought the call by a grassroots Reddit group to boycott Loblaw’s starting today was a little harsh… How about this? Another group is now calling on fed-up consumers to ‘Steal From Loblaw’s’!
If nothing else, posters that appeared on Toronto streets over the weekend indicated that consumer rage over high food prices has turned a dark corner.
The boycott call by Reddit goup r/loblawsisoutofcontrol is a passive protest. But the new initiative by anonymous figures behind the poster campaign not only advocates active protest, but also illegal activity. That’s anarchy. And it marks a dark, dangerous turning point in public opposition to increasingly unaffordable food prices.
The boycott
In case you missed it, the boycott was organized by self-proclaimed leaders of the Reddit threat that’s been hammering Loblaw’s for several weeks now. They’re urging shoppers to take their grocery business elsewhere for a whole month – longer if they are so moved. The boycott includes not only Loblaw’s stores, but all other supermarket chains that are owned by Loblaw’s.
Judging by the comments at the boycott’s Reddit page, the movement may attract a significant following. But it will take a few days, at least, to judge consumer response.
The ‘Steal’ campaign
It’s officially called the ‘first annual Steal From Loblaw’s Day’ and it’s set for May 12. And angry consumers have been quick to lash out at the supermarket giant in support of the event.
One X (formerly Twitter) user wrote: “Every day should be steal from Loblaw’s Day.”
Another charged: “Grocers are blatantly stealing from consumers in creative new ways without government intervention.”
Yet another blamed Loblaw’s for the ‘uprising’: “You brought all this on yourself.”
But there were a number of contrary comments, as well. Cooler heads called out the planned protest for what it really is: “Whether or not the company involved can afford the loss is irrelevant and certainly doesn’t give anyone license to steal,” on wrote. “What kind of example is this setting for kids? Theft is theft.”
Theft is a real problem
Supermarkets are already fighting an upsurge in shoplifting and grab-and-run thefts by desperate consumers simply can’t afford to feed their families.
My go-to supermarket has actually installed a barrier fence between the store proper and entry/exit zone outside of the checkout line. It’s also hired additional security guards to spot sketchy ‘shoppers’. That’s stopping the most brazen thieves from dashing out of the store with shopping carts full of unpaid groceries. But folks who stuff steaks down their pants and drop sausages into their oversized handbags are still getting away with it.
In a media statement, Loblaw’s branded the ‘Steal’ protest, “dangerous and irresponsible,” and warned would-be protestors that their stores are, “well-prepared to manage any potential disruption to our customers’ shopping experience.” Fair warning.
My take
I wonder what Loblaw’s means by ‘dangerous’? Is the company hinting that it fears protesters will become violent, possibly endangering their staff and legitimate customers? I guess they have to be prepared for all eventualities. But I sure hope it doesn’t come to that.
I agree heartily with the X commenter who correctly noted that high food prices don’t ‘give anyone a licence to steal’. And I also agree that it’s setting a bad example for the kids. I also concur that whether the company can afford the financial impact of the losses it may suffer is irrelevant. I do worry that clashes between thieves and store security may become violent.
And above all, I want to remind my readers that, as the thoughtful X commenter said: “Theft is theft!”
~ Maggie J.