Strengthening retail security starts with the team
Technology is an important part of retail loss prevention, but equipment works best when employees understand the store's procedures and know how to respond safely and consistently. Staff training, merchandise protection, store layout, inventory practices and video can work together as a layered program.
Train staff to focus on behavior, not profiles
Employees should be trained to recognize observable behaviors that may warrant attention, such as concealment attempts, unusual handling of tags or packaging, or repeated movement into blind spots. Store procedures should be applied consistently and should not rely on assumptions about a shopper's age, race, gender, appearance or socioeconomic status.
Make EAS procedures part of checkout training
If the store uses Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS), staff should know which merchandise receives security tags or security labels, how to remove or deactivate them correctly, and what the store expects employees to do when an entrance alarm occurs.
Hard tags require a compatible detacher, while deactivatable labels require a compatible deactivator. Browse INEO Detachers and Deactivators.
Use incident reporting consistently
Give employees a simple way to document incidents and unusual events. Consistent reporting can help management see patterns by merchandise category, time of day or store area and make better decisions about staffing, layout or product protection.
Review security as the store changes
New merchandise, seasonal displays and entrance-layout changes can all affect loss-prevention needs. Schedule periodic reviews of staff procedures and test EAS equipment according to the manufacturer's guidance.
Build the technology layer around the store
INEO offers complete EAS systems and starter packages for retailers using RF 8.2MHz or AM 58kHz merchandise protection. The right frequency and entrance configuration depend on the products, existing tags, entrance width and site conditions.
Related guide: Which Security Tag or Label Is Right For You?
For help confirming the right system or merchandise protection before ordering, contact INEO sales at apannu@ineosolutionsinc.com.