An economic system that is predicated on perpetual growth and resource extraction will eventually collapse as there is no more growth or resources to extract. Everyone is tapped out and there is nothing more you can squeeze. So it's not surprising that the people on the lower end of the economic pole are taking what they need to survive, if the economy can't provide for your basic needs then fuck the economy.

Maybe they are smarting up and not getting ripped off shopping at Dollar General any more?

The contradictions are getting more pronounced. Keep wages low! Why aren't they buying our stuff?

It's gonna be barbarism isn't it