Supermarket chain threatens to close stores after rise in violence and aggression against staff

The boss of a major independent supermarket chain is considering closing down stores in Victoria, warning retail workers are facing unprecedented levels of violence and aggressive behaviour on an almost daily basis.

Ritchies IGA CEO Fred Harrison said retail crime in Victoria had reached "crisis point", and managing a small business while trying to keep staff and customers safe was almost impossible.

"It's getting to a point now where [at] a number of our stores, you've got to question when leases come up, do we want to remain in this area? Do we want to remain in this store?" Mr Harrison told 7.30.

"Is it all round more profitable, safer if we just close and walk away?"

Mr Harrison said post-COVID, armed thieves had become more brazen, targeting stores during daylight hours often arme