The writer is a Los Angeles freelancer and former Detroit News business reporter. He blogs at Starkman Approved.
By Eric Starkman
Teen employee at Meijer arrested and handcuffed.
On my blog, I’m always educating readers about what I’ve dubbed the “Starkman Approved Theory”—a conceited reference to the blog’s name. The theory holds that there is almost invariably an inverse relationship between companies professing the loftiest morals and values and their actual business practices.
Grand Rapids-based Meijer, the superstore chain, serves as the latest validation of the Starkman Approved Theory.
Meijer touts its hunger relief efforts on its website, claiming that feeding people “has always stayed at the heart of what we do.”
“Our commitment to relieving hunger extends beyond the walls of each Meijer store and connects directly to those in need,” the company crows. “In 2008, Meijer began the important work of establishing relationships with local food banks and food pantries across the Midwest to learn more about the needs of the communities we serve.”
Meijer’s management is apparently unfamiliar with the saying “charity begins at home,” meaning one should take care of those closest to them before tending to the needs of others. The local Detroit and Grand Rapids media understandably prefer to avoid this story—Meijer is a major advertiser—but online there’s growing outrage over the company’s treatment of a deli department employee at a suburban Cleveland store.
The employee, named James, allegedly stole fruit cups and some chicken over a period of months.
Adding fuel to the anger is speculation that James may have had special needs, although I’m unable to confirm this detail. Although James’ arrest occurred a year ago, bodycam police footage was only recently released. One must have ice in their veins not to feel for the kid, whose only transportation to work was his own two feet.
Employee theft—or "shrinkage," as it’s euphemistically called in the industry—is a major problem for retailers. According to Suzanne Lucas, a consultant who brands herself as the “Evil HR Lady” and broke the story of James’ arrest for Inc. magazine, employee theft costs U.S. businesses about $50 billion annually and is a factor in 30 percent of business bankruptcies.
Suzanne Lucas
Had Meijer simply fired James upon discovering he had taken food, the company might have avoided intense backlash. What sparked the online furor is that Meijer’s managers allegedly waited months for James to surpass $100 in theft so they could call the police and have him arrested.
“Is stealing wrong? Yes,” one commenter posted on Reddit, echoing a common sentiment. “Should Meijer have waited until he stole a bunch of stuff just to get him arrested? Hell no! What company wouldn't fire someone after just one theft? Every place I've worked had a no-theft policy. Zero tolerance. They just wanted to be vindictive. F--k this place.”
It’s not entirely clear that James was your run-of-the-mill sticky-fingered employee. He told police that he had been written up for taking too long on his lunch breaks and that sometimes the line to pay for food was too long. He said he planned to eventually pay for what he took.
James was so forthcoming that a police officer warned him to stop talking before he further incriminated himself.
Lucas, the “Evil HR Lady,” questioned Meijer’s handling of the case.
“I guarantee he is not the only employee who has stolen a fruit cup from time to time,” Lucas wrote in Inc. “It’s not acceptable behavior, but you need to address it carefully. Had I been the HR person in this case, I would have recommended progressive discipline.
“After the first incident, his manager should have given him a formal write-up, with clear instructions on what was and wasn’t allowed. If it happened again, then termination.
“Letting it go to the point where the police were called is unnecessary.”
This is what a clueless Meijer spokesperson told Lucas when asked for a comment.
“An investigation showed that the former team member in question had knowingly committed multiple thefts over multiple months, totaling hundreds of dollars, which is why local law enforcement was involved,” the unidentified spokesperson told Lucas.
Meijer’s handling of the incident has caused the company considerable backlash—including from at least one customer who tipped me off.
"This makes me never want to go to Meijer again,” the source said in an email. “They just lost a customer. How could you ruin a child’s life over some fruit and chicken? Shame on those managers.
“You have a kid who’s walking to work and trying to be responsible, and he makes what most would consider a minor lapse in judgment—and you walk him out in handcuffs? And the police—come on, dude! Don’t you have bigger fish to fry? I hope this poor boy didn’t get in too much trouble over something so benign."
Tellingly, the source said he called Meijer to voice his displeasure, and the company already had a prepared script.
“I also personally called Meijer’s corporate line, and the rude woman said it was store #321 and happened last year (2024), while she read a script,” the source said.
“Then she hung up on me! I was totally cordial. I just wanted her to note we were deleting our Meijer account and wouldn’t be shopping there again unless we see some sort of corporate correction on this matter.”
It’s not the only known incident where the Meijer store in suburban Cleveland arranged for an employee’s arrest. In April of last year, an employee was arrested for ringing up $124 worth of items at a discounted rate for herself or having another employee do so.
I’m heartened that Meijer’s treatment of James generated so much outrage. It underscores that many Americans are still instilled with considerable humanity and compassion.
Customers who still choose to shop at Meijer and visit one of the chain’s deli counters might consider treating the kid serving them a fruit cup or some chicken—and perhaps help save a low-wage worker’s job.
Contact Eric Starkman at eric@starkmanapproved. Anonymity assured.
