7-Eleven stores in Oakland have experienced a series of robberies, prompting concerns from store owners about the impact on staffing, especially for overnight shifts. The latest incident occurred early Thursday morning at a 7-Eleven on MacArthur Boulevard, where two robbers forcibly entered the store, leading the cashier to seek safety in the back room while the assailants stole cigarettes and cash.

To mitigate risks, some stores have implemented measures such as locking their doors overnight and manually screening customers. Amardeep Brar, a board director with the American Petroleum & Convenience Store Association, noted that the repercussions of these robberies extend beyond financial losses, complicating efforts to hire and retain employees. Brar, who owns a nearby 7-Eleven that was robbed two months prior, stated that the difficulty in staffing overnight shifts has necessitated higher wages, with starting pay for cashiers in Oakland set at $17 per hour.

Brar highlighted the challenges of attracting workers to minimum-wage positions that require them to face potential violence, particularly during night shifts. A former clerk at an Oakland 7-Eleven recounted his experience of being robbed multiple times, illustrating the personal risks employees face in these roles.

The frequency of robberies has led to significant changes in the local 7-Eleven landscape, including the closure of the last company-owned store in Oakland, leaving franchise operations predominantly in the hands of Southeast Asian immigrants. Rising insurance costs in California have further complicated the situation, with some store owners hesitant to report incidents due to fears of losing coverage.

Despite attempts to enhance security and reduce operating hours, robberies persist. A notable incident in 2023 involved the fatal shooting of a security guard at a 7-Eleven near Lake Merritt, underscoring the dangers faced by employees. Councilmember Charlene Wang acknowledged the concerns of store owners and emphasized the city's commitment to improving public safety, including efforts to hire more police officers to enhance response times.

Customers have expressed concern about the potential closure of local stores due to ongoing crime, highlighting the broader community implications. Brar stated that closing stores would be a last resort, emphasizing a desire to continue business operations in Oakland despite the challenges. As of now, no arrests have been made in the latest robbery, and while city officials report a decrease in overall crime, business owners remain cautious as their establishments continue to be targeted.