The National Retail Federation’s 2022 Security Survey found 37% of retail shrink was due to external theft and amounts to a $100 billion dollar problem. For most small brick-and-mortar businesses, shrinkage due to shoplifting can feel incredibly frustrating. Luckily, there are practical steps retailers can take to reduce risk.
This article gives you ten steps you can take to reduce and prevent shoplifting in your store.
1. Know what to look for!
It is useful to learn and understand common shoplifting tactics and methods. This enables you and your employees to focus on suspicious behavior rather than demographic profiling. Store procedures should be applied consistently to shoppers.
2. Optimize your store's layout.
An open layout with clear sightlines, appropriate lighting and well-positioned checkout areas can make merchandise easier for staff to monitor. Eliminate blind spots where practical and keep high-risk merchandise in locations where staff can observe it.
3. Keep it clean!
If your store is crowded and untidy, missing merchandise can be harder to notice. Regular organization, inventory practices and sensible shelf stocking can help staff recognize when something is out of place.
4. Improve customer service.
Use high-quality customer service as part of prevention. Greet customers, offer assistance and staff the store appropriately. Visible, attentive service can improve the customer experience while also discouraging opportunistic theft.
5. Signage!
Appropriate signage can let customers know that merchandise and premises are protected. Keep signage professional and consistent with your store policies and local requirements.
6. Invest in security cameras.
Visible security cameras can deter theft and may help document events. Camera deployment and footage handling should follow applicable privacy laws and store policies.
7. Reduce blind spots.
Convex mirrors and good store layout can improve visibility in awkward spaces where cameras or direct sightlines are limited.
8. Identify the at-risk items.
At-risk items are often valuable, easy to conceal or frequently targeted. Put them in well-observed areas and consider the appropriate combination of tags, labels, locks or display controls.
9. Use security tags.
Tag suitable higher-value merchandise with security tags that match your EAS frequency and merchandise type. Security tags can provide a visible deterrent and trigger a compatible EAS system if an active tagged item passes through the detection zone.
10. Invest in an Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) system.
EAS antennas are positioned at store entrances and exits and are designed to alarm when compatible active tags or labels pass through their detection zone. INEO's Clarity 8.2MHz EAS System offers a clear acrylic entrance antenna for retailers using compatible RF 8.2MHz tags and labels. Entrance layout, tag type and site conditions all affect detection performance, so sizing should be confirmed for the specific store.
Conclusion
Shoplifting is a challenge for retailers, but layered loss prevention can reduce risk. Staff training, store layout, customer service, cameras, merchandise controls, compatible security tags and labels, and a properly selected EAS system can work together as part of a broader strategy.
For more information on security products such as tags and entrance systems, browse the INEO Products online store or contact the INEO sales team.