Month: July 2019

Back to school to inject into US retail sector - ST

Back to school to inject $27.8 billion into retail sector

With just over a month until US students head back to school, retailers are beginning to reap the rewards, with a Deloitte survey finding Back to School spending is expected to reach $27.8 billion and the majority of shopping will occur in store.

They further note the bulk of the purchasing will take place four-to six weeks before school resumes with late July/early August accounting for 62 per cent, or $17.3 billion of all spending.

As retailers find themselves in the thick of a Back to School shopping bonanza, here’s an insight into Deloitte’s findings for 2019.

The survey

Each year Deloitte Access Economics conducts a survey into the Back to School spending habits of American households.

This year they interviewed 1200 parents of school aged children to find Back to School spending is up marginally (1.8 per cent) on last year, and while the majority of purchases will be made in-store, online retail is increasing.

Bricks and mortar reigns supreme

In 2019, parents will spend on average $519 per student, up $9 on 2018. Collectively that will equate to $27.8 billion on Back to School expenditure, with many households opting to get in early to complete their shopping list.

Almost two-thirds (62 per cent) of all Back to School shopping will be completed four to six weeks before school resumes, making now the prime time for retailers to cash in.

“Households plan to spend 56 per cent of their budget in-store and 29 per cent online with the remaining 15 per cent up for grabs with undecided shoppers,” Deloitte notes.

That means online has grown slightly since 2016, increasing by seven per cent over that time. However, some sectors see a higher online retail component than others while mobile technology is increasingly sought after.

“Compared to last year, electronic gadgets represent the only category in which online sales are expected to grow at the expense of in-store shopping (an increase in nearly 20 percentage points),” the report explains.

“Mobile use is expected to increase this year (+7 percentage points in planned use), while desktops/laptop, and social are expected to decline. Newer tech (e.g., voice assisted, digital reality) has yet to gain traction for B2S.”

The spending breakdown

Back to school to inject into US retail sector - ST

When it comes to what’s on the Back to School shopping list, clothing and accessories dominate the expenditure, while the sector experiencing the largest growth is electronics and gadgetry like smart phones, tablets, wearables and digital subscriptions.

The report notes 2.6 per cent more consumers intend to spend on electronics and gadgetry this year compared to 2018, with an average increase of $41 per customer. This equates to an $800 million increase in this sector overall or a rise of 29 per cent.

By and large this preference for electronics and gadgetry comes at the expense of computers and hardware sector, which is expected to see a drop of $600 million overall.

It is estimated:

  • $15 billion will be spent on clothing and accessories
  • $6.1 billion will go to school supplies
  • $3.1 billion will be invested in computers and hardware
  • $3.6 billion will be spent on electronic gadgets such as cell phones and smart phones, tablets and e-readers, wearable devices, voice and mobile data plans, and digital subscriptions

Where people will buy

The report goes on to look into consumer purchasing behaviour, noting mass merchants retain their spot as the number one shopping location (88 per cent plan to visit), with online-only, dollar stores, specialty retailers, and off-price rounding out the top five retail locations.

“Similar to 2018, higher-income shoppers are more likely to visit department stores, home electronics, and specialty apparel, while lower-income shoppers are more likely to visit price-based formats (e.g., mass market, dollar stores),” Deloitte says.

When selecting a retailer, consumers will also be driven heavily by price, followed by product, convenience, then brand.

The report found:

  • 88 per cent of consumers will make a decision based on price
  • 81 per cent will choose a retailer based on product
  • 80 per cent will select a retailer for convenience
  • 28 per cent will opt for a store based on their experience and brand

You can learn more about securing your merchandise during busy periods like Back to School shopping season here or contact our friendly staff for further advice on the best loss electronic article surveillance solutions for your store.

Big retail names making a comeback - Security tags

Big retail names making a comeback

The US retail industry is abuzz this week with news Toys ‘R’ Us is set to make a comeback after last year becoming one of the most high-profile collapses seen in the retail sector.

News reports indicate two locations are set to open in Texas and New Jersey in November with the further hope they may open 10 stores by 2020.

And Toys ‘R’ Us aren’t the only ones rising from the retail ashes. Here’s an insight into big retail names making a comeback.

Toys ‘R’ Us Story 2

Toys ‘R’ Us was seen as one of the greatest victims of the modern retail age. The retail giant filed for bankruptcy in 2017, with 740 stores closing last year. But now the retailer is set to open again under a smaller store format.

CBS News explains the return of the toy seller will be managed as a joint venture between tech retailer b8ta and Tru Kids, a company founded in January to manage the Toys ‘R ‘Us brand after the retail chain’s liquidation last year in bankruptcy court.

The first stores will open at Galleria Mall in Houston, Texas and Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, New Jersey and their aim is to also foster online sales.

Other big brands back in town

Big retail names making a comeback - Security tags

As Loss Prevention Media notes, Toys ‘R’ Us isn’t the only retailer seeking to survive a near brush with obsolescence.

They note Radio Shack is now also back in business after partnering with Hobby Town USA. Radio Shack filed for bankruptcy in 2015 after store closures began almost a decade prior. And like Toys ‘R’ Us their resurgence has hinged on reinvention, with the brand rolling out Radio Shack “express” store.

“Radio Shack dealerships had re-opened around 500 stores as of 2018,” LPM explains.

The retail mall

Big retail names making a comeback - Security tags

Meanwhile, what was once the mainstay of US retail is also rumored to be rising again, with the retail mall back on developer’s agendas.

In March, Hudson Yards opened to the public in New York delivering one-million-square-foot of retail, with 100 stores across seven levels.

In New Jersey, the American Dream Meadowland mega-mall has also confirmed an opening date of October 25. Once open to the public it will feature more than 400 retailers in a complex comprising 45 per cent retail and 55 per cent entertainment. A mammoth food court, rollercoasters, waterpark and snow park will be among the attractions.

In the interim, CNBC noted in January US mall vacancy rates had backed off from a seven-year high, and were now holding steady.

Part of a renaissance

The resurgence of once declining retailers is part of what GlobalData Retail managing director Neil Saunders believes is a national trend.

“The American retail sector is enjoying a renaissance,” he told the Real Deal. “Sentiment is upbeat and spending fairly carefree.”

An opinion piece in the Financial Times agrees, with writer Brooke Masters noting many recipients of the FT ‘Bold in Business Awards’ this year were retailers who were seizing opportunity amidst adversity.

“There is some hope that we may be seeing that kind of resurgence today,” she reflected.

‘The winners impressed us with how they have responded to everything from supply chain challenges to environmental degradation.

“These companies serve as a reminder that when change hits hard, well-run, well-positioned businesses are the ones that benefit.

“Retailers can prosper when they offer shoppers a real reason to buy there.”

Theft at the self-checkout - Security Tags

Theft at the self-checkout

Self-checkouts might be convenient for customers and slash staff costs for retailers, but they’re costing the retail sector billions in terms of shoplifting and theft.

More importantly, the self-service checkout is attracting a new style of shoplifter who wouldn’t normally consider themselves a thief.

So how do retailers combat this growing crime as they continue to embrace the latest self-service technology?

The self-checkout

As Loss Prevention Media (LPM) notes, self-checkouts now account for around 40 per cent of all transactions and 20 per cent of all sales. They are also a technology that is rolling out rapidly in retail outlets across the globe.

By 2024 the self-checkout market is expected to exceed $5 billion with a compounded annual growth rate of 10.3 per cent in the coming years.

That means this handy technology is likely to be found in more and more stores and the toll of shoplifting will keep rising unless new theft-prevention strategies are quickly deployed.

Theft at the self-checkout

Concrete figures on how much retailers lose at the self-checkout are hard to come by, but according to a recent article in The Atlantic, the crime is more common than many believe.

They note a Voucher Codes Pro survey of 2634 people recently found 20 per cent admitted to stealing at the self-checkout, with more than half indicating they did so because detection was unlikely.

Meanwhile, a study by criminologists at the University of Leicester also determined self-checkout theft was widespread.

“After auditing one million self-checkout transactions over the course of a year, totaling $21 million in sales, they found that nearly $850,000 worth of goods left the store without being scanned and paid for,” The Atlantic says.

And customers are finding some common ways to commit the crime.

Self-checkout theft methods

Theft at the self-checkout - Security Tags

Three common methods dominate self-checkout theft and the internet reveals a whole world of new technology to describe the crime.

There’s the ‘banana trick’ which sees the code of a cheaper weighed item applied to a more expensive one, the ‘pass off’ which sees an item not scanned at all, and ‘the switcheroo’ which involves placing the label of a cheaper item over the barcode of a more expensive one.

According to a Loss Prevention Research Council research reported in LPM, a recent study of 24 self-checkout offenders reveals “the pass off” is by far the most common.

They note all 24 offenders indicated they scanned some but not all items, while five indicated they also switched labels, four said they tricked the scales, and three used “other means”.

Critically, 29 per cent of offenders indicated self-checkout theft was “very easy”, a further 29 per cent said it was “somewhat easy,” 29 per cent were “neutral”, and only nine per cent said it was “somewhat difficult” while just four per cent claimed it was “very difficult”.

Meanwhile, the National Retail Federation’s Stores Magazine notes checkout theft is often a crime of opportunity.

The National Association for Shoplifting Prevention’s Barbara Staib told Stores, shoppers who may otherwise not steal can find it easier to rationalize taking things at the self-checkout.

“Many of these offenders don’t view it as theft and more as a deserved discount for standing in line too long or spending a lot of money at the store.

“These are people that normally aren’t shoplifters or inherently criminal. But for whatever reasons, they decided they’re doing to dip their toe in the waters, or they feel entitled to something.”

Methods of preventing self-checkout theft

As self-checkouts continue their rollout, research into ways of reducing the theft also increases. At present there are a series of common techniques retailers use to combat self-checkout theft and new anti-theft technology is also in development.

Methods include:

Surveillance – Surveillance is widely used in grocery stores and is increasingly employed at the Point of Sale to monitor customers going through the self-checkout.

Store associates – An attentive attendant at the self-service checkout is proving one of the most effective ways of preventing theft.

LPM explains interviews with self-service shoplifters indicate “many offenders interviewed recognized the associates as a deterrent before perceiving the surrounding technologies”.

“Some offenders even reported that an attentive self-checkout associate is more effective at deterring theft than advanced technologies.

“One offender even commented on the importance of an attentive associate in deterring shoplifting: ‘A lot of stealing got by because of lazy employees—employees are not paying attention, or are on their phones. It’s all about the employees. If the store has employees who are more attentive, then self-checkout theft would be hard’.”

Artificial Intelligence – Machine learning and artificial intelligence are also becoming useful tools in the fight against self-service theft and as the technology improves that role will likely increase.

These systems are designed to recognise a customer’s items before they even reach the self-service area, reducing the onus on humans to declare the items they have.

You can learn more about the latest findings on shoplifting here, or contact our friendly staff for more information on the security tags and labels that can help protect your store.

How to eliminate false EAS alarms

How to eliminate false EAS security tag alarms

Used by retailers worldwide, electronic article surveillance, comprising security tags, labels and antenna is one of the most commonly employed methods of preventing product theft

Renowned as accurate, user-friendly and efficient, the system should only see an alarm sound when an item is being taken. If your system is sounding false alarms it can quickly desensitize staff to the threat of shoplifting and render the system less effective.

More importantly, false alarms indicate either the system needs maintenance or EAS best practice is not being followed in-store.

Here’s a quick guide to eliminating EAS security tag false alarms in a bid to better protect your store.

Daily checks

Ideally, your EAS antenna should be checked by staff daily in line with the manufacturer’s operating procedures. This ensures the system is switched on and operating correctly.

As part of daily system checks, staff should also ensure all label deactivators are plugged into a power source and operating correctly.

The No-Tag zone

In over 90 per cent of reported cases of false alarming, alarms are caused by a tag within the vicinity of the antenna. Known as the “No Tag” zone, this area is generally considered as 6 feet around the EAS system.

The area between and in the immediate vicinity of EAS antennas should be kept free of product displays, clothing racks, LCD screens and even decorations. (Some decorations, especially those with foil or metal have been known to trigger an EAS alarm).

As a simple check, stretch your arms out, like you are doing a star jump, and make sure there are no security tags within, or just out of your reach, all around each pedestal.

Proper deactivation and detaching

How to eliminate false EAS alarms

All staff should be thoroughly trained on the removal of tags, and tag detachers should be made readily available at the Point of Sale.

The Point of Sale is the ideal site for tags to be removed and labels to be deactivated. This allows store associates to scan an item for sale, and quickly and effectively deactivate a label or remove the tag in one simple process.

Security Tag detachers can be built into or attached to the POS counter, while label deactivators can be seamlessly installed above or below the counter, or incorporated into scanning equipment.

Understand tag pollution

Tag pollution occurs when labels or tags are not properly deactivated or removed by other retailers, and it’s another common cause of false alarms.

Many advanced EAS antennas feature multi-coloured lights which allow staff to understand whether an alarm is sounding as someone enters or exits the store. This helps determine whether an alarm is sounding due to tag pollution or an actual theft.

Ensure staff are properly trained on identifying and handling tag pollution.

Staff training

All staff should be regularly trained and refreshed on the operation of EAS systems, including how to test the store’s EAS antennas and deactivators, how to identify tag pollution, and how to properly, consistently position tags and labels.

Meanwhile, all alarms should be noted and recorded by staff. This helps identify patterns of shoplifting, along with any tag pollution and genuine false alarms.

When used properly, with correct procedures, staff training and regular checks, EAS offers one of the most accurate and formidable tools in the battle against retail theft, with statistics indicating it can reduce loss by up to 80 per cent.

You can learn more about how EAS systems work here or contact our friendly staff for advice on the right security tags and labels for your store.

Protecting merchandise against theft

Protecting merchandise against theft

In retail, electronics and electronic accessories are among the most commonly targeted items for theft.

Stolen by individual shoplifters and organized retail crime gangs alike, electronic devices like laptops and tablets are high on the theft hit-list due to their re-sale value, while accessories like ear buds, headphones and charging cables are a common target due to their small size and popularity.

In a double bind for retailers, devices are often items that consumers need to see touch and engage with before making a purchasing decision.

Here’s a guide to protecting your merchandise against theft…

iPads, tablets and laptops

Big-budget devices like iPads, tablets and laptops present a unique challenge for retailers. On the one hand these are devices which can be readily re-sold by shoplifters at a high price, but on the other, they are products a consumer will need to engage with to test, try and feel before purchase.

In the bricks and mortar world, computer hardware is also often the central drawcard for any electronics retailer, taking pride of place on display in a bid to lure the customer in.

When it comes to protecting these devices, tethered displays and locked stands, supported by lockable cabinets and drawers for stock, are the major theft prevention methods of choice.

These displays and stands allow the consumer to engage with a display model, before committing to buy.

When considering displays or stands retailers should look for durable stands which offer charging capability, can be unlocked readily by sales associates to replace display stock, and support the security of extra accessories that might accompany the device.

Meanwhile, lockable cabinets should include features like smart keys which indicate which store associate has accessed the cabinet in a bid to combat employee theft.

Mobile phones

Protecting merchandise against theft

The latest, greatest smart phone displays can often be a major promotional asset for any electronics retailer, which means, like iPads, tablets and laptops, thy will need to be on show and accessible.

Again, tethered and secured displays play a major role in their protection, allowing the customer to experience the product before purchase.

For cheaper cell phones, simple glass cabinets are often the preferred protection method, along with security labels secreted in packaging, and spider wraps which sound an alarm should the device be stolen.

Internet of things devices

Whether it’s the newest smart speaker, the latest wearable or the most recent smart home hub, internet of things devices are becoming increasingly popular and often consumers want to see exactly what they entail prior to making a purchase.

Like other big-ticket electronics, their security often comes down to a combination of secure displays and security of stock via locked cabinets.

Accessories

Smaller in size and lower in value than major electronic hardware, accessories like headphones, chargers and keyboards are no less popular with thieves.

Meanwhile for retailers, having them readily available allows them to be upsold with associated devices to improve that all-important bottom line.

Electronic accessories tend to be secured in a variety of ways.

Some are featured as part of secured displays while others are kept behind glass and further still are accommodated on shelving. When on ready display, spider wraps, labels, cable security tags and stoplocks are the prime theft prevention methods of choice.

Movies, music and video games

Protecting merchandise against theft

When it comes to DVDs or even CDs containing movies, music and video games, the standard procedure is to secure these using security labels.

In the case of a frequently targeted, highly valuable and popular items, extra security might be utilised such as clear, lockable boxes or spider wraps.

You can learn more about selecting the right security labels or tags for the right product here, or talk to our friendly staff about the security options available for your store.

Top retailers US 2019 - Security tags

The Top 10 retailers in the US

The National Retail Federation (NRF) has released its list of the top 10 retailers for 2019, with little change to a lineup that features all the big names of the US retail sector.

Despite a slew of negative headlines, bricks and mortar still dominate the retail space, with the report finding traditional retailers accounted for 90 per cent of retail sales.

What is evident, however, is the innovation that continues to drive the industry as it adapts to a world of digital consumerism in a technological age.

Here’s an insight into the Top 10 retailers in the US in terms of sales.

No 1 – Walmart

Top retailers US - Security tags

With 5263 outlets and $387.66 billion in sales last year, Walmart retains its position as the top retailer in the US.

NRF’s Stores Magazine notes the retailer has found its comfort zone in the world of Amazon and is now more confident in its position as the real-world alternative.

Walmart has also spent the past 12 months improving its offering, remodelling 500 stores with brighter lighting, wider aisles and self-service checkouts while testing initiatives like interactive displays, artificial intelligence to help monitor stock levels and store cleaning robots.

No 2 – Amazon

Top retailers US - Security tags

Amazon now features 490 stores with $120.93 billion in retail sales in 2018, indicating around 6 per cent growth in the year prior.

Stores magazine explains the retailer is “moving in several directions at once”.

“In bricks-and-mortar, there are plans for a new supermarket concept outside the boundaries of Whole Foods Market to be launched in the Los Angeles area. Online, Amazon is cutting back on sales to consumers in favour of allowing third-party Marketplace vendors to handle those chores.”

No 3 – Kroger

Top retailers US - Security tags

Kroger is the nation’s largest supermarket operator, with 3035 outlets and $120.93 billion in sales.

For the past few years, the chain has had a major focus on big data and automation to handle its online order fulfilment, Stores notes.

“Kroger says it has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on its online operation, including expanding store pickup locations for online order and grocery delivery service. Along with others, it’s also working on driverless technology and experimenting with autonomous grocery delivery; Kroger currently works with Instacart delivery service at about 1600 locations.”

Meanwhile, inside its outlets, the retailer has embraced initiatives like digital shelving and mobile apps.

No 4 – Costco

Top retailers US - Security tags

In the fourth position is wholesaler Costco, who last year recorded $101.43 billion in sales courtesy of 523 outlets.

The retailer continues to defy the online trend with strong foot traffic and customer loyalty.

“A major plus for the company is that consumers love to shop at its stores,” Store Magazine notes, and  foot traffic is “as strong as it’s ever been.”

Known for the pride it takes in its company culture, Costco recently stole the customer satisfaction index crown from Amazon, who had held this position since 2010.

No 5 – Walgreen’s Boot Alliance

Top retailers US - Security tags

With 9451 store-fronts, pharmacy chain Walgreens is among the two largest retailers in terms of outlets to feature in the Top 10 list, boasting $98.39 billion in sales in 2018.

It hasn’t been an easy ride, however. Stores Magazine reflects Walgreens has been “been buffeted of late as a result of the volatility enveloping the health care industry”.

The retailer is currently focused on initiatives like increasing the speed of prescription medication home deliveries and in-store medical services.

No 6 – The Home Depot

Top retailers US - Security tags

The Home Depot is currently courting the professional customer, with digital technology, mobile apps and onsite delivery.

Last year this saw them achieve $97.27 billion in sales from 1969 outlets, despite being impacted by bad weather.

No 7 – CVS

Top retailers US - Security tags

Like Walgreens, CVS has felt the impact of changes to the healthcare sector and is combatting that through same-day prescription delivery and instore medical services.

CVS currently boasts 9954 outlets, which resulted in $83.79 billion in sales last year.

No 8 – Target

Top retailers US - Security tags

Smaller footprint stores are the present focus for Target, who last year achieved $74.48 billion in sales from 1844 outlets.

Stores Magazine explains the retailer is looking to open 30 of these smaller stores in 2019 as it also works to revamp its larger outlets with convenient features like grab and go food items.

No 9 – Lowe’s

Top retailers US - Security tags

Lowe’s has shepherded in a new CEO with a focus on maximising store productivity and raising sales. Last year that saw the retailer achieve $64.09 billion in sales from 1723 outlets.

No 10 – Albertsons

Top retailers US - Security tags

In 10th position is Albertsons with 2249 outlets and $59.71 billion in sales. Their recent focus has been technology in a bid to improve the customer experience.

“The company is using Microsoft cloud capabilities to shorten waiting times at butcher and deli counters, at checkout and even outside the store at the gas pumps. AI is used to anticipate out-of-stock situations and detect items misplaced on shelves,” Stores notes.

You can find the full list of the Top 100 stores for 2019 at stores.org

Security Labels

Choosing the right security labels

Whether it’s non-perishable groceries, DVDs, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals, security labels are the ideal way of protecting high-volume, low-value stock from theft.

Simple to affix, security labels are used by large and small retailers worldwide, offering an affordable product-based security option that is seamlessly deactivated at the Point of Sale.

However, like all areas of Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) there are choices to be made when it comes to which label is best suited to what product. So, here’s a quick guide to choosing the right security labels.

Security label basics

Security labels are one of the many options available when it comes to protecting stock at a product-based level using Electronic Article Surveillance.

These labels house a small receiver within an adhesive sticker that can easily be affixed to products.

The receiver remains in constant communication with an EAS antenna, and when that label comes too close, an alarm sounds, alerting staff that an item is passing through the entryway.

Labels are deactivated using a deactivator that breaks the circuit in the receiver, so they no longer communicate with the antenna. They can then pass an antenna without sounding an alarm.

This affordability, disposability and simple deactivation makes security labels the go-to option for small items like groceries or hardware.

So, what do you need to consider when selecting the right label for your store?

EAS antenna frequency – RF or AM?

Like security tags, security labels are available in either the RF or AM frequencies to suit whichever EAS system you have in store.

Each technology offers slightly different features and specific benefits for particular products.

RF labels:

  • Are well-suited to retailers with high volumes of packaged products which require a flat paper label that can even be printed on
  • Are often favored by supermarkets, discount stores, book stores and video stores
  • Caution should be applied when using for RF labels with metallic or foil products or packaging due to tag detuning and reduced detection

AM labels:

  • Are well-suited to the protection of merchandise with a high metal/foil content such as consumer electronics, cosmetics, hardware, and pharmaceuticals.
  • Offer a slightly raised profile
  • Are often favored by drug stores, cosmetic stores, electronics retailers, and hardware outlets

Label size and colour

Security Labels

Security labels are available in a wide range of colours, sizes and shapes, including round, square and rectangular with semi-transparent options also available to ensure they do not obscure vital information on the packaging.

Generally, RF labels have a slightly larger footprint than AM labels, but offer a lower, flat profile.

AM labels have a slightly raised profile but a smaller footprint than RF labels.

Security labels are designed to be discreet yet feature strong adhesives to ensure they cannot be easily removed by shoplifters.

Alternatively, non-adhesive labels can be inserted into the packaging of a product.

Barcoded?

In a bid to offer greater efficiency at the Point of Sale, security labels are also available with the barcode pre-printed, so product information and security is catered to easily in a single label.

Printable?

Plain RF labels can also be printed on, allowing information or barcodes to be added. This makes them an ideal option for source tagging at the point of manufacture.

Deactivation

Unlike security tags which are detached and removed at the Point of Sale, security labels are deactivated.

This involves using technology to break the transmitter circuit within the sticker. As a result, labels cannot be reused, but the method does allow for quick disarming at the Point of Sale.

Deactivators can be built into the Point of Sale scanner or incorporated beneath the countertop to ensure scanning and deactivation occurs in one swift maneuver.

Positioning

The ideal place for a security label is near a product barcode. This allows the product to be scanned and the label deactivated at the same time.

Meanwhile, positioning the security label near the barcode also ensures essential product packaging information is not obscured.

What’s changed in the world of EAS - Security Tags

What’s changed in the world of EAS, security tags and labels?

Electronic Article Surveillance, including security tags, labels and antenna, has been a staple of retail loss prevention since the 1960s, and like all technology, it has improved dramatically over the years.

If you’re wondering what’s evolved in the decades since EAS first revolutionized product-level security, here’s an insight into just some of the improved features EAS now offers.

Increased accuracy

Over the years the accuracy of EAS has improved remarkably with a dramatic reduction in false alarms.

Antenna systems can be better tuned to the retail environment, while acousto magnetic technology has resulted in less interference from metallic product packaging, and also works to thwart shoplifters using booster bags.

In fact, recent statistics indicate EAS reduces theft by an estimated 60-80 per cent.

Increased strength

EAS systems have constantly evolved to keep pace with the shoplifters who try to circumvent them. And one of the major innovations has been the improved strength of tag locking systems.

Now security tags are available in a variety of magnetic strengths, ranging from standard to superlock, hyperlock and multi-polar.

These higher-strength tags offer unprecedented security, with the premium options like multi-polar near impossible to force open or unlock without a specialist detacher.

Wider applications

What’s changed in the world of EAS - Security Tags

It’s no longer a case of one size fits all when it comes to tags, labels, and even antenna. Over the years hard tags have been honed to suit specific purposes like optical wear, liquor bottles and high-end accessories like shoes and handbags.

In terms of labels, they have also improved. Now labels come in a range of sizes to suit both acousto magnetic and radio frequency systems, meaning they can be applied to a wider range of products.

RF labels, in particular, can now be printed on, allowing retailers to incorporate a barcode and product security into the one neat label.

More discreet antenna

The antenna systems that monitor a retail outlet have also improved dramatically over time. Antennas are available as pedestals and can now also be discreetly hidden in door frames, beneath the floor or even overhead at a retail outlet.

Less intrusive

The bulky plastic hard tags of the 1960s, 70s and 80s are long gone, with EAS security tags and labels available in a variety of sizes and dimensions.

This ensures tags no longer interfere with the customer’s experience of a product but still protect the item. In the meantime, retailers should note EAS tags are designed to act as a deterrent, meaning that should be visible to customers in a bid to put them off any attempt at theft.

Greater adoption

All these features have led to greater adoption of EAS technology. The National Retail Security Survey recently noted 80.9 per cent of US retailers now employ EAS.

They further found in the past year alone:

  • Use of merchandise alarms/electronic security tags had increased by 25.4 per cent to 46 per cent adoption.
  • Use of acousto magnetic/electronic security tags had increased by 12.7 per cent to 34.9 per cent adoption.

Meanwhile, a recent survey of loss prevention professionals found 68 per cent believe EAS and other security measures “are truly effective in deterring theft in retail stores”.

If you’re looking to understand which EAS security tags and labels would best suit your store, more information is available here, or contact our friendly staff for further assistance.

Loss prevention - Security tags

A new generation of loss prevention

Over two-thirds of loss prevention professionals believe electronic article surveillance plays an important and effective role in deterring theft, according to the latest industry survey from Loss Prevention Magazine.

Meanwhile, the report has highlighted the shifting role of the loss prevention sector, the new challenges faced and the rise in loss prevention problems such as internal theft and organized retail crime.

Here’s an insight into what this report from inside the loss prevention industry found…

The 2019 survey

Entitled The new generation of loss prevention, the loss prevention survey was developed in consultation with industry leaders and featured 55 questions relating to how the industry was evolving.

Over 600 respondents took part from all levels of the loss prevention sector, with the report noting the retail landscape is changing courtesy of innovation and new technology.

“With every revelation comes new opportunities for growth and invention—and new challenges for the new generation of loss prevention/asset protection,” they note. “The fact is, we are deep into a new generation of loss prevention.”

Shoplifting

Shoplifting still remains a major concern for loss prevention professionals who ranked the role of shoplifting as 7.4 out of 10 in the overall shrink performance of their companies.

They further noted identifying and apprehending shoplifters was a priority, ranking it 6.7 out of 10.

However, the survey notes, when asked whether retailers should put less emphasis on apprehending shoplifters and more emphasis on deterring theft in the stores, agreement amongst survey participants varied depending on the level of leadership.

Eighty-four percent of top loss prevention leadership agreed there should be more emphasis on deterrence, while less than 50 per cent of those in store-level positions agreed.

“Very few believe that loss prevention professionals should have the discretion to pursue shoplifters beyond the boundaries of the store,” the survey found.

Organized retail crime

As reflected in numerous studies this year, organized retail crime is seen as a growing problem in the battle to combat retail theft.

“Ninety-two percent of survey respondents believe that organized retail crime (ORC) is a real and growing problem in today’s retail environment,” the report found.

Violence rising

In addition to an increase in organized retail crime, the majority of loss prevention professionals also believe shoplifting crimes are becoming more violent.

More than six out of 10 (62 per cent) of respondents agreed that incidents involving violent behaviours had increased in their area of responsibility over the past 12 months.

“Sixty-five per cent believe shoplifting incidents involving those addicted to opioids and other addictive drugs have increased over the same period.”

Internal theft

Many loss prevention professionals also view internal theft as a priority. In fact, internal theft was considered on par with shoplifting when it came to shrinking challenges affecting the retail environment

Survey respondents ranked the role that internal theft plays in the overall shrink performance of their company as a 7.4 out of 10.

Loss prevention methods

Loss prevention - Security tags

The survey respondents consistently noted loss prevention involved a layered approach that included deterrence, staff training, good interview techniques for onboarding staff, and the use of appropriate technology.

The majority believed electronic article surveillance, including security tags, security labels and monitoring antenna, along with other merchandise protection strategies played an important role.

“Overall, 68 per cent of respondents believe that when used correctly, merchandise protection standards (EAS and other security measures) are truly effective in deterring theft in retail stores,” the report found.

“Those at the higher levels of loss prevention leadership held stronger beliefs that these measures are effective (75 per cent).”

Meanwhile, auditing was also considered an essential tool in identifying shoplifting trends. Strong operational controls and auditing were ranked 7.7 out of 10 as an important function in the overall shrink performance of a company

Interviewing was viewed as critical in combatting internal theft.

“Overall, survey participants rate the importance of having a strong and successful background in interviewing as a loss prevention professional as 8.3 out of 10.”

The future

Like all areas of the retail sector, technology is playing an increasing role in combatting shoplifting and loss, and many loss prevention professionals (92 per cent) acknowledge the landscape is likely to change further

“Ninety-six per cent feel it’s becoming much more important for loss prevention professionals to learn more about information technology and the retail supply chain, while 81 per cent feel that they have adequate understanding and training regarding the technology and other resources used to accomplish loss prevention goals,” the report found.