Fredrick's Hallmark​ In Brookfield Captures Shoplifter On Video

BROOKFIELD, WI— Josh Umhoefer, District Manager of Fredrick's Hallmark, understands theft is a reality of running a retail business.

A group of experienced shoplifters went to the chain's Ruby Isle Shopping Center, 2205 N Calhoun Rd., in Brookfield. on Sept. 18. A manager alerted Umhoefer who called the City of Brookfield Police.

City of Brookfied Police didn't respond to Patch as of Wednesday afternoon.

Umhoefer shared the video of the shoplifter on the business Facebook page and it has been shared over 300 times as of Wednesday.

The woman in the video was with several other people who were signaling each other.

"They were obviously trying to distract our staff. They came at a busy time," Umhoefer told Patch.

The group came in with empty bags and in the video one woman shoves candles in her bag. One of the individuals was stopped and left the merchandise on the counter.

"We don't know if anything other than the candles were taken," he said.

Police told Umhoefer it was likely the woman caught on video and the others wouldn't be caught. However, having video evidence serves as a history for police. Umhoefer said if someone matches the description does get caught, it is better to have these videos so they can be charged with each crime.

As a small family-owned chain of stores, theft causes stress after already feeling the sting due to the pandemic.

'60 days is difficult to make up'

Fredrick's Hallmark owners are still feeling the economic impact after being shut down for almost 60 days in early spring. The store has been doing everything from online sales, Facebook Live events, and other promotions to get customers to come in.

The location has been in Ruby Isle shopping mall since 1998, but the Fredrick's has been around since 1975. The store offers a broad selection of year-round and seasonal gifts, gift wrap, Keepsake Ornaments and greeting cards.

"When you miss 60 days, it is difficult to make that up," Umhoefer told Patch.

Between all of Fredrick's Hallmarks seven locations, they have 75 employees.

"It may not seem like a lot of jobs to some people, but we have a lot of people who work for us and we care about all of them. We want to make sure the business stays afloat not just for us but also for the employees," Umhoefer said.

What he and other small businesses are currently doing is recommending each other to customers. If a customer requests something they don't have, they will recommend other places.

Since reopening, the store has focused on health and safety with products such as sanitizer devices and masks.

"We have focused our fall and winter season more on comfort items," Umhoefer said.

Comfort items include chocolate, comfy hoodies, candles, and snacks that "makes you feel better because you are stuck at home."

The store has also incorporated more jigsaw puzzles and anything that will help people feel better during the pandemic.

Umhoefer said the store offers online shopping, curbside pick-up, phone orders, and other ways to make customers feel comfortable shopping.

"We are trying to be as accommodating as possible," he said.

For more information on locations, hours and general information visit the website or Facebook page.