The National Retail Federation's 2022 National Retail Security Survey reported nearly $100 billion in total U.S. retail shrink, with external theft among the major contributors. Retailers use a combination of loss-prevention measures to address that risk, including security tags, labels, store procedures, video and Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS). This guide explains the main tag and label styles, frequencies and product-specific options so you can choose protection that fits your store. View the NRF survey.
Security Labels:
EAS labels serve as an effective security measure by triggering an alarm when an active compatible label enters the detection zone of the store's EAS system. They are particularly useful for high-volume packaged goods or products that cannot accommodate a reusable hard tag. Many label formats are supplied in rolls for efficient application.
Security labels can be applied discreetly and are generally designed for single use. Unlike reusable hard tags, compatible deactivatable labels normally remain on the product or packaging after checkout and are processed using the correct label deactivator. The label frequency and deactivator must match the EAS technology being used.
Security Tags:
Security hard tags generally cost more per unit than labels but offer the advantage of being reusable when undamaged. Protection can include Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) tags, visual deterrent tags, benefit-denial products such as ink tags, and specialty designs for specific merchandise. The right type depends on the product, store frequency and checkout process.
EAS Tags:
EAS systems use compatible tags or labels and one or more antennas near a store entrance or exit. INEO's Clarity is a clear acrylic RF 8.2MHz entrance antenna. When a compatible active tag or label enters the system's detection zone, the system can generate an alarm so staff can respond according to store procedures.
At checkout, reusable hard tags are removed with a compatible detacher and deactivatable labels are processed with the correct deactivator. Matching the system, tag or label frequency, merchandise and checkout tool is essential.
What system should my store use: AM or RF?
There are two main EAS technologies in INEO's current product range: Radio Frequency (RF) 8.2MHz and Acousto-Magnetic (AM) 58kHz. Tags and labels must match the frequency of the installed system.
RF 8.2MHz creates an electromagnetic detection field and is a practical choice for many apparel, pharmacy and general retail environments. INEO Clarity operates at RF 8.2MHz. RF labels are commonly available as thin adhesive labels.
AM 58kHz is often considered for sporting goods, hardware, department stores and other environments with metal-heavy merchandise or packaging. AM labels have a raised profile compared with thin RF labels.
AM can be a good fit when:
- The store has metal-heavy merchandise or packaging.
- The retailer already uses AM 58kHz tags and labels.
- The merchandise and entrance layout are better suited to an AM configuration.
RF can be a good fit when:
- The store is apparel, pharmacy or general retail.
- The retailer wants access to a broad range of RF 8.2MHz hard tags and adhesive labels.
- The store is using or planning to use INEO Clarity.
The final choice depends on merchandise, entrance width, store layout, existing tags or labels and site conditions. Some franchise or chain stores also standardize one frequency across locations.
Clothing Security Tags:
Many clothing tags use three basic components: the tag itself, a pin or attachment that passes through or around the garment, and a locking mechanism that secures the attachment.
Magnetic clothing tags are available in different locking strengths. Stronger compatible locks can make unauthorized removal more difficult. A Super Designer Detacher is used with compatible security tags.
Fashion tags come in several shapes, including alligator tags, pencil tags, rectangular tags, and tamper-resistant shell-style tags. Enclosed designs can provide less leverage for prying than more open shapes.
Attachment matters as well. Lanyards can be used with compatible tags through existing loops or buttonholes, while non-grooved pins can be considered for delicate fabrics where compatible.
Fashion Accessory Tags:
Accessories such as shoes, handbags, luggage and some jewelry products may use cable, lanyard or self-alarming protection. The Screamer Tag provides a cable attachment and its own tamper alarm in addition to compatible EAS detection.
Bottle Tags:
Wine and spirits retailers can use bottle-specific security products designed around bottle necks and closures. Current options include RF 8.2MHz Slimline Bottle Tags, Cable Bottle Tags, and bottle locks and other bottle-protection options. Bottle tags must match the store's EAS frequency unless the individual product specification explicitly says otherwise.
Optical Tags:
Eyeglasses and sunglasses require security that still allows customers to handle and try on the product. Optical Tags include small frame-mounted hard tags and specialty labels designed for eyewear applications.
Tags for Boxed Items:
Spider Tags, also known as Spider Wraps, can protect suitable high-value boxed items. Many designs use cables wrapped around the box and include self-alarming functionality, with EAS compatibility shown in the individual product specifications.
Benefit Denial Tags:
Benefit-denial products are intended to reduce the value of stolen merchandise if someone attempts to defeat the protection. One common example is the Ink Tag, which uses visible ink ampoules as a tamper deterrent and is primarily used on fabric-based merchandise.
Not every ink tag contains an electronic EAS circuit. Select ink protection based on whether you need benefit denial alone or benefit denial alongside a separate compatible EAS hard tag. Do not assume an ink product will alarm unless its specifications explicitly confirm EAS compatibility.
Visual Deterrent Tags:
Visual-only tags are designed to create a visible theft deterrent without necessarily containing an EAS circuit. They should not be represented as electronically detectable unless the product specification confirms that capability.
Pins, Clutches, and Lanyards
Certain security tags, such as pencil tags or RedEye Ink Tags, rely on a compatible pin, clutch or lanyard for attachment. Always match the attachment and detacher to the specific tag model and follow its product instructions.
Resources:
National Retail Federation - National Retail Security Survey 2022
Learn how Electronic Article Surveillance works
Everything you need to know about security labels
For help confirming the right frequency, tag, label or entrance layout before ordering, contact INEO sales at apannu@ineosolutionsinc.com.