Colina Del Sol grocery store restricts minor customers – NBC 7 San Diego

A new rule says no unaccompanied children at a flea market in San Diego’s Colina Del Sol neighborhood.

The store manager told NBC 7 the grocery store on 54th Street is practically overrun with theft and social media stunts.

Some students who buy snacks there after school are protesting the new restrictions.

Other area retailers say the problem isn’t just for kids.

The Grocery Outlet Bargain Market boasts low prices on groceries, which may even be the draw for school kids.

“Grab and run. I saw them chasing them down the street for two or three blocks,” said shopper Karen Palmer.

Palmer says he shops at the 54th Street store five times a week and the theft cuts into his bottom line.

“It’s not fair. It just drives our prices up, so everything goes up,” Palmer said.

Recently, a sign appeared on the front door of the store. It says, “Must be 18 years of age or older with ID or parent to shop, purchase or purchase in store.” There is another one that prohibits backpacks.

Store owners could not be reached before this story was published, but a manager, who asked not to be identified, told NBC 7 that juvenile shoplifting is out of control. He says beyond theft, some kids throw products over shelves and record such pranks for social media posts.

Retailers tell NBC 7 middle school-aged children came to protest at Grocery Outlet Wednesday and last week. Their message: A few bad apples don’t necessarily break the bushel.

Because the Grocery Outlet is a more affordable place to go shopping after after school snacks, the embargo is having an effect.

“You have to ask yourself, do they need food? Do some of them take the food they need for their home? Maybe the system is failing somewhere else,” Palmer said.

The owner of Sunnie’s Beauty Supply asked not to be identified, but spoke at length to NBC 7 about the increasing number of shoplifters at her store.

“It’s sad — a sad time. Everyday $200 a week stealing $500 a week stealing. How can I manage to support this business?” she said.

She shared a video captured on security cameras at the business next door. She says she chased the shoplifters away. When she tried to take a picture of their license plate, one of them kicked her in the head. The store owner says there are children and adults.

The shopping center is surrounded by schools. Horace Mann Middle School is directly across the street from the Grocery Outlet, but it is unknown who is responsible for the thefts.

Palmer is wholeheartedly against shoplifting, but questions the store’s new policy.

“If they’re shopping and not stealing stuff, it’s their right to be there and do that,” Palmer said.

For now, stores are at odds with shoplifters, while some paying customers may feel punished for it.

NBC 7 reached out to the San Diego Unified School District. A spokesperson acknowledged the request but did not respond to questions prior to publication of this story.