Sault convenience store keeps products behind glass to prevent theft

Sault Ste. Marie's Up North Convenience has opened with Detroit-style Plexiglas barriers, curbing theft, lowering prices and boosting safety.

In an effort to boost safety and stop theft, a Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., convenience store has recently opened its doors, but not its shelves.

Up North Convenience on Gore Street operates what its owners call ‘Detroit style,’ with all products behind Plexiglas to curb shoplifting and keep staff safe.

Andrea and Serge Pietramale spent $20,000 on the barriers, separating customers from the products they wish to purchase.

“By having everything behind glass, it reduces theft,” Andrea said.

“Then we can lower prices because we don’t have to jack up the prices to make up for stolen beer or stolen bread or whatever.”

Store supervisor Jasmine Teske said operating this way is better for everybody.

“It’s definitely very safe because anybody who walks in here, their only purpose is going to be to buy something,” Teske said.

“It’s not going to be to steal or … to loiter, to see what they can get away with. They don’t have that option.”

The building had previously housed chain convenience stores, which lost thousands every month due to shoplifting, the Pietramales were told.

While the glass addresses theft and safety concerns, it also builds relationships since it requires customers and staff to interact.

Andrea said traditional convenience stores often end up in wordless transactions.

“You’re going around, you’re picking all the stuff that you want and then you go to pay, you tap,” she said.

“You don’t have to speak to anyone. Here, we have to get the product for you. So you need to talk to us, and then we can go and grab anything that you want.”

Until the store opened this month, locals said the area had become a food desert. Some residents said it’s been a long time since they’ve had anything but problems in the area, so they’re unbothered by the unique layout of the new convenience store.

“If they’re safe, that means they’ll be here longer,” said customer Carrie Paradis.

“And that means lots to us. We don’t want to see a fly-by-night (operation). We want to see a community rebuilt again.”