Stoxx Thrift & Vintage pleads for support after repeated thefts at all locations, highlighting growing retail crime concerns in Metro Vancouver.
A family-owned vintage store with multiple locations across the Lower Mainland is sounding the alarm after becoming a repeated target of retail theft. Tricia Hill, owner of Stoxx Thrift and Vintage, says her small business is under strain from relentless shoplifting incidents, which she says now occur every two weeks.
The latest incident took place at their Burnaby Metrotown location. A man entered the store midweek, and security footage shows him returning moments later. After briefly distracting a staff member, he grabbed a $300 jacket and walked out casually. Despite a prompt call to mall security, the individual was not apprehended.
“It’s the brazenness that’s most shocking,” Hill said. “It’s like he thought the jacket was left there for him.”
Security Measures Falling Short
Burnaby RCMP has confirmed an active investigation into the theft, but details remain limited. Meanwhile, Hill says even with enhanced store security, the thefts haven’t stopped.
“There’s a lot of pride and work that goes into curating and restoring these clothes,” Hill added. “It’s heartbreaking to see that effort devalued time and again.”
With stores in Nanaimo, Burnaby, and Vancouver, Stoxx has faced significant financial losses. At the Kingsgate Mall location alone, Hill reported $12,000 in theft-related losses in the past year.
Retail Crime on the Rise Across Metro Vancouver
Stoxx is far from the only victim. Retail theft is becoming an increasingly common concern for small and large businesses alike throughout Metro Vancouver. Stephen Kim, business development manager at Bicycle Sports Pacific in downtown Vancouver, confirmed similar struggles.
“We deal with attempted thefts almost daily — from locks to full bikes,” Kim said. “It’s wearing on our team.”
Policy Responses in Motion
In response to these growing concerns, Vancouver City Council launched a Retail Security Task Force in April. The task force aims to uncover the root causes behind this uptick in shoplifting and to explore possible policy and enforcement solutions to protect local businesses.
Hill believes deeper action is needed — not just for her store, but for the entire retail community. “If there are no repercussions, how do we fix this?” she asked. “How do we stop it from happening again?”
Stay informed as we continue tracking this issue. For more updates on small business challenges and local policy actions, stay tuned to Maple News Wire — your trusted source for regional news.
