Why some Schnucks stores are locking up everyday items in glass cases
ST. LOUIS - At some Schnucks stores, grabbing everyday essentials, like deodorant, shampoo or laundry detergent, might now mean asking an employee to unlock a glass case first.
Earlier this month, one user on a St. Louis Reddit community page shared a photo of deodorant and other personal hygiene items locked behind a glass case. FOX 2 has since confirmed the use of glass cases at the Schnucks Loughborough location in south St. Louis City.
It's unclear how long this arrangement has been in effect at the Loughborough store or how many Schnucks stores in the region may be using glass cases to secure products. However, FOX 2 has confirmed that customers may see glass cases at various locations.
Last week, a Schnucks spokesperson shared this statement with FOX 2: "In an effort to reduce theft and keep prices low for our customers, we utilize these glass cases in select locations in areas where we are seeing an increase in organized retail crime activity."
The spokesperson added that the company's security practices are confidential and did not provide further details on the matter.
The glass-case protocol at some Schnucks locations renews attention on concerns about retail theft nationwide.
According to the National Retail Federation, in 2021, retail theft accounted for nearly $95 billion in losses. In response, many retailers have ramped up security efforts. Around 45% have invested more in loss prevention, while more than 60% have increased their technology budgets.
Industry experts say theft not only hurts profit margins, but can also drive up prices and cut into staffing or store improvements. In some cases, security measures like glass cases can even boost sales. A June 2025 blog from ShowcasesDirect.com reported that some retailers using locked display cases saw theft drop by 35% in just four months and also increased sales of nearby-located items.
In recent years, some retailers have turned to glass cases and digital tools to curb theft. CVS now allows shoppers to unlock display cases through a mobile app in select stores. Target and Walgreens have also experimented with glass cases, either with employees unlocking cases or customers using kiosks to order locked items.
Schnucks operates more than 100 stores across Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin, with a major presence in the St. Louis area. As of late-August, it remains unclear how many Schnucks stores currently have locked glass cases or may move forward with them in the future to secure items.
