Skeleton crews are overworked and burn out faster, leading to more turnover. They may save you money in the short term but they cost more money in the long term. They also open the door for more shoplifting, as an understaffed store is an easy mark. Lastly, they reduce sales because a poorly staffed store is a messy and understocked store. If things get bad enough, people stop shopping there outright. No one wants to shop in a place that feels dirty and unsafe.