Retail shrink can come from several sources, so loss prevention works best as a layered program rather than a single device or policy. One useful way to think about it is in five levels: merchandise protection, store layout, staff practices, surveillance and analytics.
Level 1: Product security
Product-level protection includes Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) tags and labels, bottle protection, self-alarming devices, locked displays and other controls selected around the merchandise.
Browse Security Tags, Security Labels, and Complete EAS Systems.
Level 2: Layout and display
Store design affects visibility and opportunity. Clear sightlines, appropriate lighting, sensible placement of high-risk merchandise and well-positioned checkout areas can make the sales floor easier for staff to manage.
Level 3: Training and staff procedures
Employees should understand store policy, merchandise-protection procedures, checkout detachment and deactivation, incident reporting and safe response practices. Consistent procedures matter as much as the equipment itself.
For EAS checkout tools, see Detachers and Deactivators.
Level 4: Surveillance
Video surveillance and other monitoring tools can provide situational context, document events and help retailers understand where store procedures or layouts may need improvement. Deployment should follow applicable privacy requirements and company policy.
Level 5: Analytics
Inventory variance, sales, returns, traffic and other operational data can help retailers identify where loss or process problems occur. Analytics are most useful when they lead back to practical changes in product protection, staffing, layout or procedures.
Bring the layers together
A retailer does not need every security measure everywhere. The goal is to use stronger controls where the risk and merchandise justify them and keep the customer experience as open as practical.
For guidance on product-level EAS protection, read Which Security Tag or Label Is Right For You? or How Electronic Article Surveillance Works.
For help selecting an INEO system or merchandise protection, contact apannu@ineosolutionsinc.com.