Staff Editor — Page 278

The Many Efforts of Retailers to Stop Shoplifting

May 2, 2011 by Staff Editor

Is it easy to be anti shoplifting? Businesses since the beginning of retail have dreamed of ways to completely stop shoplifting. Honestly, without dramatically impacting sales in your stores, to stop shoplifting could be impossible.

However, there are ways to seriously put a damper on shoplifting activity in your stores. Stores looking to stop shoplifting must look at retail anti theft devices. Retail anti theft devices offer stores the benefit of securing merchandise and the avenues to becoming anti shoplifting.

As a loss prevention professional, I have been very successful at implementing retail theft prevention methods designed to help stop shoplifting. At the top of my list are retail anti theft devices such as Checkpoint security tags and Checkpoint labels. Truly, as important as properly displaying merchandise, making sure it is protected is equally important to secure profits in your stores.

Working loss prevention in stores selling a range of merchandise, I have seen the negative impacts of stores not utilizing Checkpoint Security tags and Checkpoint labels. In some cases, I feel the store is somewhat negligent and encouraging shoplifting because they either refuse to use retail anti theft devices or simply believe retail theft prevention is not important. A big misconception by retailers is that if they sell merchandise quickly, they’ll eliminate the acts of shoplifting.

In reality, retail theft prevention is a must for any retailer looking to grow their business and help reduce the amount of loss they certainly will experience. When I visit stores, I always look for the manager who can speak realistically about the business of their stores. Any business manager worth their salt knows how retail theft prevention plays a huge part in their profits.

Walk your stores. Take a serious assessment of your needs. Do you have shoplifters (yes you do). Do you need merchandise security (yes you do!)

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint Security tags and Checkpoint labels.

For more information on how you can become anti shoplifting contact us at stop shoplifting or call 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Clothing Security a Thing of The Past?

May 2, 2011 by Staff Editor

Is clothing security something retailers have to worry about anymore? Judging by the political climate, the economy and the general attitude of people today, do we really need to worry about clothing security?

Clothing security is more in demand now then it has ever been. Retailers have noticed a recent increase in external theft activity prompting them to tighten up their clothing security program and observe the latest trends. Retailers dealing in softlines or apparel good should really look closely at their clothing security program and incorporate clothing security tags part of the effort to protect profits.

Clothing security tags have been upgraded in technology, are easier to use than ever before and offer the latest in technology. Clothing security tags pin directly to the garment, providing the visible deterrent to would be thieves yet maintaining the aesthetics of the merchandised garments.

After watching video of reported merchandise theft at a local clothing retailer, it was easy to see what would help. This stand alone store in a chain of 5 had never really felt the need to go with clothing security tags until recently. An inventory count was completed, and the store was missing lots of merchandise. They launched an investigation into dishonest employees and were able to successfully close out cases involving employee theft, yet 30% of their losses were unaccounted for. The reality was external theft. This store lacked the proper tools to prevent theft, including clothing security tags. Simply installing security tags on clothes could have made a bigger dent in their inventory loss, yet the store chose not to implement such a program.

Later, and after advice from their peers, this store ordered security tags on clothes and had their instore team install the devices. At the next inventory cycle, the store saw a large improvement from the loss the experienced just 12 months prior. The biggest contributor to this loss reduction, security tags on clothes.

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store for you clothing alarm needs

For more information contact us at clothing security or call 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: clothing alarm, Clothing Security, clothing security tags, security tags on clothes

Checkpoint Security Systems

May 1, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Checkpoint Security Systems is a leader in providing anti shoplifting products to retailers around the globe. Checkpoint security systems offer a full range of services including checkpoint labels. These labels allow a retailer to convey important information to the customer such as price and size while offering a simple point of sale solution with the addition of a barcode. Lastly, checkpoint labels provide additional security to help prevent shoplifting throughout your company.

Anti shoplifting solutions have been a vital part of the retail market for a number of years now. With the recent economic downturn reducing sales while simultaneously spawning a rise in shoplifting, checkpoint labels have become a necessary part of doing business. The FIT, or fully integrated tag, allows you to receive your merchandise and put it directly on the sales floor for customers to purchase. You eliminate the time and manpower necessary to properly tag and secure every piece of clothing that comes off of the truck. This obviously saves money while providing the product to the customer that much faster. Checkpoint labels facilitate a win-win situation for everyone.

Checkpoint security systems also provides a number of other useful labeling services including: Graphic tags and labels, variable data tags, woven labels, care and content labels, printed fabric labels and specialty trim. Whatever your individual retail needs are they are sure to have a product to meet them. When it comes to increasing your business’s profitability while enforcing anti shoplifting methods checkpoint security systems should be your first stop.

Visit our Retail Loss Prevention Store for your retail theft prevention needs.

For more information contact us at Checkpoint Security Systems or call 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: Anti-Shoplifting, Checkpoint labels, checkpoint security system, checkpoint security systems, retail theft prevention

Conducting An Employee Theft Investigation – Atlanta Georgia

May 1, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Simply put, an employee theft investigation is when you, or your designated loss prevention investigator, look into a suspected incident of internal theft. Any number of things can alert you to an employee theft. Sometimes it’s a tip from another employee or a customer and sometimes it may be little more than a hunch. It’s not terribly important what originally prompted you to begin an employee theft investigation, but what comes next is extremely important.

When gathering evidence of an internal theft it is important that you be thorough. Let’s say you’re watching a cashier and through CCTV you observe him/her remove a $20 bill from the register and slide it in their pocket. A clear cut case of employee theft, right? True, but do you really believe that was their first time dipping into the till? Go back and review all of that cashier’s prior transactions for the past 2 weeks to a month. This should give you a good idea of the frequency in which they have been committing internal theft and let you know if you should continue going back farther.

Once you have gathered enough evidence then, and only then, do you bring that individual back for an interview. Accusing an individual of something as serious as employee theft can open you up to a lawsuit if you don’t have the proper proof to back up such statements. Once you do bring them back remember that your goal is a simple admission of guilt. Be professional and courteous. Your words and actions may come back to haunt you in a court of law if you’re not. Once the confession is obtained your employee theft investigation is complete.

For more information contact us at Employee Theft Investigation or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: employee theft, employee theft investigation, internal theft

Checkpoint Security Systems Offer Profit Solutions for Retailers

April 30, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

Checkpoint Security Systems offer a variety of solutions for retailers.

Checkpoint Security Systems provide innovative technology geared towards protecting merchandise while maintaining profitability. Most seasoned retailers understand one of their biggest assets in the war against shrink is Checkpoint Security Systems.

Checkpoint Security systems were recently installed in a somewhat new retailer I manage. This store was really not expected to lose much inventory based on other retailers in the area. However, it was very clear that this was very much a “guesstimate” and from the get go proved inaccurate. The business was trying to save money and figured they could cut some of the budget by reducing merchandise protection efforts, namely Checkpoint Security Systems. The stores belief was that the simple appearance of a Checkpoint System will deter any thieves and ultimately help the store control its budget. In reality, this store was assuming that because it was in a low crime area, they would not have any difficulty with shoplifters or theft. This is a big misconception by many retailers. Some assume that because they are in visually low crime area, or even in an affluent area, they won’t have the same levels of shoplifting and theft crimes. True to a point, but no retailer is immune to theft and loss or shrink.

A checkpoint system installed and properly executed will provide the much needed anti shoplifting efforts. This retailer assumed it would not need anything more than an installed checkpoint system, no other anti shoplifting positions nor measures were put in place. As a result of the stores poorly directed budgetary concerns, the business suffered. The checkpoint system was installed but no one really cared. The store was being taken daily by both customers and employees. Had this store utilized the checkpoint system as recommended, anti shoplifting would not be as big a concern as it proved to be.

What anti shoplifting protection does your business have?

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store for retail anti theft devices

For more information contact us at Checkpoint Security Systems or call 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: Anti-Shoplifting, checkpoint security system, checkpoint security systems, Retail Anti Theft Devices

Bottle Security Prevents Lost Profits

April 30, 2011 by Staff Editor

Bottle security really does prevent lost profits. Traditionally, companies rely mostly on personnel to provide bottle security, not really understanding the need for additional bottle security.

Over the years, I have seen some retailers make simple mistakes that lead to bigger gaps in profitability. Looking specifically at the liquor sales, the margin from profit can be very good. Yet there are still some out there that either don’t update their bottle security or choose to not use some form of bottle lock. Even more negative impact, some still lock their merchandise up in cages of glass cabinets. Is this the best form of bottle security? I don’t know, but it certainly does not help sales.

One of the best and easiest to use bottle lock, in my opinion, has to be the EASy bottle lock. From a shoplifter’s viewpoint, this bottle lock is a nuisance. EASy bottle locks are simple to install and offer the best open shelf security solution I have seen. This bottle lock is tough. Fitting over the top of the liquor bottle, this bottle lock prevents the thief from opening the bottle while in the store, and activates the Checkpoint Security system as the thief tries to flee.

Visiting one of my stores, the manager somewhat new, felt he did not have the payroll to install the EASy bottle locks on the entire required product. This excuse left him a little red in the face after I asked him to demonstrate how to install the EASy bottle lock. Realizing how easy and quick it was to install the EASy bottle lock, the manager never again complained to me.

The solutions to protect your merchandise, assets and profitability are out there, you have to be willing to look and or ask for help. Liquor bottle security should be a priority in your business.

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store for your liquor bottle security

For more information contact us at bottle security or call 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: Security Tagged With: bottle lock, bottle locks, bottle security, easy bottle, liquor bottle security

You Can Prevent Shoplifting With A New Attitude – Atlanta Georgia

April 30, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

What maybe holding you back to prevent shoplifting is your own attitude? Retailers should look with in themselves before they invest in any systems or equipment such as CCTV. If you have an attitude of not attacking your shoplifting problem through customer service then you probably do not have a good foundation to build on. Any equipment or systems you add will simply be an investment that never pays off.

Customer service is the main tool to prevent shoplifting losses. Real customers love customer service, shoplifters hate it. The exciting part of this is that the more you do the better your sales. If your staff is aggressive with good customer service, knowing the products your store sells and is not adverse to approach each and every customer your sales will increase. And as important “add on sales” will increase. For example if an employee is assisting a customer who is purchasing an product that takes accessories is that employee discussing the good and bad points of those items. Are they making recommendations and offering additional items?

Doing this will expose the shoplifter. Shoplifters react differently. Shoplifters will resist the attention. Of course, some legitimate customers will not need as much attention but an experienced employee will notice differences such as a lack of interest in the product being purchased and indifference about price.

So what does your employee do now? If they suspect that the “customer” is possibility a shoplifter this is not the time to back off. If the “customer” is resisting customer service then the employee should stay in the area and be very visible. This will frustrate the vast majority of shoplifters. In many cases the shoplifter will move on to an easier target, your competitor.

Your store will earn the reputation as the place that provides good customer service. That will spread by word of mouth. Friends do tell friends. This will also happen with shoplifters. Shoplifters do talk and will share this information. Then the shoplifters themselves will be helping to prevent shoplifting in YOUR store.

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Prevent Shoplifting

Clothing Security and The Retail Store Manager

April 29, 2011 by Staff Editor

I worked with a store manager years ago that believed clothing security was overrated. He believed the way around clothing security was to sell the merchandise before it was stolen.

Of course this was a great thought… assuming you could really stock and sell merchandise before a thief bent on profiting themselves could out steal your sales. Clothing security is always something to consider when selling this type of merchandise.

Some time ago, a discount clothing store I worked opened a new location in a high crime area. Talking with the surrounding retailers, the business was good but top levels of clothing security would be needed. Looking at comparable stores, business was also good. A competitor opened a store just a few blocks south, so I made my way over to investigate potential theft issues. Walking in, I was immediately confronted by the level of clothing security present in this store. If I were a thief walking into this store, I would instantly be discouraged. As a matter of fact, I would probably leave altogether and find some other retailer without security tags on clothes. On top of the visual security deterrence, I was immediately greeted by a store associate in a kind and professional manner. Couple this with clothing security tags; you have one heck of a security program. As I toured the store, clothing security tags were everywhere. I went through the youth’s section, clothing security tags. Headed for the men’s department, clothing security tags. Passed through the ladies apparel, clothing security tags. You honestly could not walk a section of the apparel departments without seeing security tags on clothes.

I introduced myself to the store manager and passed my business card over to her. I complimented her on the amount of security tags on clothes and asked her how she did it. She spoke of the need for security and recommendations from loss prevention pointed her to a solid security tags on clothes program.

Visit the Retail Loss Prevention Store for your clothing alarm needs

For more information contact us at clothing security or call 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: clothing alarm, Clothing Security, clothing security tags, security tags on clothes

The Loss Prevention Investigator – Atlanta Georgia

April 29, 2011 by Staff Editor

A retail loss prevention investigator is responsible for ensuring that a company’s shrink is kept under control. Now, there are many different causes of shrink and therefore the job is multi-faceted. The first, and most recognizable, form of shrink is from external theft, or shoplifting. The loss prevention investigator is trained in surveillance techniques and how to spot odd or suspicious behavior in a customer. Once this type of behavior is identified they will follow the individual either on foot or by using the store’s CCTV system to gather evidence of a crime.

The second form of shrink, and most dangerous to a company’s bottom line, is internal theft. This is when an employee begins stealing money or merchandise from their employer. In a similar way to shoplifters the loss prevention investigator will observe and look for the warning signs. Once found he will then initiate an employee theft investigation. This is a means of gathering evidence of the associate’s criminal activity. Once enough evidence is acquired they will then interview the individual and pass on their recommendation to upper management.

Many companies also lose money because their employees are not following policies and procedures. This reckless behavior can lead to worker’s compensation claims, lawsuits, lost or stolen merchandise, vendor fraud and, in the most extreme cases, armed robbery. Therefore it is important to perform audits and implement checks and balances on all of your processes. Make sure that your company is in compliance with all fire safety and OSHA regulations and keep an eye out for anything that could negatively affect the company’s bottom line. Making a business profitable is management’s job. Ensuring that the business remains profitable is the job of the loss prevention investigator.

For more information contact us at Loss Prevention Investigator or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: loss prevention investigator

Preventing Internal Theft Through Education – Atlanta Georgia

April 29, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

I’ve found that one of the best ways to prevent internal theft is by educating loss prevention consultants on proper cash handling procedures. Let’s face it, we’re experts on the many different ways to prevent shoplifting, and many of us can conduct a simple employee theft investigation flawlessly. However, quite a few loss prevention consultants are not well versed on simple cash handling procedures that can make it easier to spot when something isn’t going the way it is supposed to.

Early on in my career I had many an employee theft investigation that took far longer than it should have because when I witnessed something suspicious in the cash office I had to contact another manager (and hope that they weren’t involved in the scheme as well) and ask for their input because I had never worked a cash register or worked in a cash office before and wasn’t sure what to look for. There are steps one must follow in order to prevent shoplifting. In the same way there are steps that must be followed to prevent internal theft.

Before you can begin an employee theft investigation you must understand the normal operating procedures and be able to identify when something isn’t being done properly. Next, you have to be able to tell whether the mishap is a simple mistake, someone cutting corners, or an employee attempting to steal from the company. I’m a firm believer that the best way to know and understand a process is by actually doing it. So I would advise any and all business owners to put your loss prevention consultants through a short training course on register operations and cash handling procedures. The benefits will go a long way towards reducing internal theft in your organization.

For more information contact us at Internal Theft or call 1.770.419.0547 – Marietta, Kennesaw, Cobb County, Atlanta Georgia

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: employee theft, employee theft investigation, internal theft