Shoplifting is now an epidemic, says Mayo store owner

Retailers are dealing with “unbelievable levels” of shoplifting as the cost-of-living crisis persists, according to Jeff Nolan, whose Ballyhaunis SuperValu and Centra supermarkets have been targeted by shoplifters at a level not previously seen.

“It’s an epidemic,” said Mr Nolan, who explained that the constant monitoring of CCTV and engagement with Gardaí adds to the workload. The store owner said local Gardai have been very responsive. Goods and the value of goods have, in some cases been recovered, while prosecutions have also been pursued.

“We are generally guided by the Gardaí,” said Mr Nolan.

The shoplifting surge has been driven by higher prices, he believes. Retailers continue to battle higher food production costs, which are being passed along by suppliers, he explained. While overall inflation is at 2%, grocery inflation is at 8%, he noted. 

“Retailers are price takers,” he explained, adding that suppliers have lifted their prices in response to higher farmgate prices but also higher minimum wages.

A 30% increase in the minimum wage has driven up suppliers’ costs, said Mr Nolan, who thinks the Government’s promise of a “budget for business” earlier this month was a misnomer. 

“They rose the minimum wage by 65 cents, with the impact of that on SMEs [small and medium enterprises]. We also have high energy rates and the [pension] auto enrollment coming up.

“We are an SME compared to a multinational like Tesco… Higher minimum wages makes it hard for retailers to hire more staff. The number one cost of business is wages, number two is energy.” 

Mr Nolan says his energy bills remain at double the rate prior to the huge spike in energy prices prompted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with some relief offered by solar panels, installed on the supermarket roof in 2023. 

“Solar isn’t an option anymore, it’s a necessity. It doesn’t bear thinking about what we’d be paying without it.” 

Despite the price pressures, “business has been okay” in 2025, said Mr Nolan, with customers staying loyal. 

“On the everyday items we’re giving value and quality. And we’re giving deep cuts every week with the Real Rewards card.” 

Mr Nolan's new Centra store, which opened this summer at Abbey Street in Ballyhaunis, is going “really well”. It’s the most modern Centra in Ireland and a model for the new look of Centra. Open from 7am, the store offers sit down in a busy location.

“A lot of people come in at lunchtime, guys in vans can come in and get a meal on a plate and sit down rather than food to go.” 

As his store moves into what he terms “Christmas mode”, Mr Nolan is hoping the worst of the price inflation is past. “People see the headlines but don’t delve into the reasons for rising prices, and there’s assumptions of price gouging but that is not the case.”