Rising thefts at NSLC stores in Q1 2025
The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) has reported a 24% increase in thefts across all its retail stores in the province during the first quarter of 2025. The figures, released by the Crown corporation, show that criminal activity targeting liquor retailers remains a significant challenge for the province’s hospitality and retail sectors.
Context: An ongoing trend
This spike follows a prior period of heightened theft concerns. The NSLC noted a previous spike (reported earlier in the period) that indicated a substantial year-over-year increase in thefts. Taken together, the data suggest an ongoing challenge for securing inventories while balancing customer service in busy store environments.
Where the impact is felt
Thefts can affect multiple facets of the NSLC’s operations, including product losses, staffing needs, and security costs. For customers, higher loss prevention expectations, tighter store procedures, and occasional delays at checkouts can become a part of the shopping experience. For the province, persistent theft puts pressure on margins and could influence prices or promotions as the NSLC strives to maintain reliable product availability.
Why thefts may be rising
Experts and industry observers point to a combination of factors that often accompany theft spikes in liquor retail: increased sales volumes, limited shelf security during peak shopping times, and evolving strategies among shoplifters. Additionally, the macro environment—shifts in consumer spending, inflation, and social trends—can influence theft patterns across retail sectors, including alcohol.
NSLC’s response and safeguards
In response to the rise in theft, the NSLC is likely to review and adjust security protocols, staff training, and loss-prevention technologies. This can include enhanced surveillance, improved product placement, and targeted patrols in higher-risk hours. While specific measures weren’t detailed in the latest release, the NSLC has historically emphasized balancing customer experience with robust security to deter theft while ensuring legal and responsible access to alcohol.
What this means for shoppers
Shoppers may notice minor changes in in-store processes as security measures are updated. It’s not uncommon for retailers facing theft pressures to implement measures such as stricter checkout controls for high-risk items, more frequent ID checks, and revised store layouts to improve visibility. For most customers, these changes are designed to be non-intrusive while protecting legitimate purchases.
Looking ahead: trends and expectations
Analysts will be watching NSLC’s quarterly data closely to determine whether the 24% increase represents a temporary fluctuation or part of a longer-term trend. If theft remains elevated, the NSLC may accelerate investments in prevention technology, staff training, and community outreach to deter shoplifting and educate customers about responsible purchasing practices.
Closing thoughts
The NSLC’s quarterly numbers highlight a persistent issue affecting liquor retailers in Nova Scotia. While the recent 24% rise in thefts is troubling, it also provides a data-driven pathway for implementing stronger safeguards and improving the shopping experience for compliant customers. Stakeholders—from policymakers to store managers—will be watching the next round of data to gauge whether these measures are effective and whether further actions are needed.
