Shoplifting or retail theft laws vary from state to state, and in many states the act of shoplifting—taking displayed goods from a commercial retail store during store hours and without paying for the goods—is classified as the criminal offense of theft or larceny.

Shoplifting, theft, and larceny laws are often classified in part by the value of the goods stolen, attempted to be stolen, or intended to be stolen. These laws are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In South Carolina, shoplifting is addressed under the state's theft and larceny laws, which are found in the South Carolina Code of Laws. Shoplifting is defined as taking goods from a retail establishment without paying for them, altering price tags to pay less than the full value, or transferring goods from one container to another with the intent to deprive the merchant of the full retail value. The penalties for shoplifting in South Carolina are based on the value of the stolen goods. If the value is $2,000 or less, it is considered a misdemeanor punishable by fines and/or up to 30 days in jail for a first offense. If the value is more than $2,000 but less than $10,000, it is a felony, with increased penalties including up to 5 years in prison. For goods valued at $10,000 or more, the crime is a felony with a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison. Additionally, merchants are allowed to demand civil penalties from the shoplifter in the form of restitution.