According to the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention (NASP), more than $13 billion worth of goods are stolen from retailers annually – about $35 million per day. The National Retail Security Survey says most preventative methods are insufficient. The most common measures designed to prevent shoplifting include the use of visible or hidden closed-circuit televisions, undercover store detectives, door receipt checkers, ink tags, radio frequency tags, fitting room attendants and observation booths – in that order.
There’s no exact profile of a shoplifter. NASP says the majority (75 percent) are adults, and 25 percent are kids. Statistics show that many shoplifters buy and steal merchandise in the same visit, and stolen merchandise ranges from $2 to $200. Preventing shoplifting is an investment. In addition to the above tactics, careful selection of store fixtures can also help deter shoplifters. Security mirrors in strategic places can help store clerks have better visibility of the aisles. Keeping aisles wider by placing shelving farther apart and using shorter shelves will also allow for a better view of the customers. Closed display cases are a deterrent, and locked and attended display cases are even better. When customers must ask for assistance, they are more likely to be an actual buyer and they are accountable for the merchandise they are examining. Locked display cases also increase the perceived value of the merchandise, and can help your marketing and sales efforts. An attractive glass case adds both sophistication and security to your retail floor. Conversely, shelving with open access to merchandise can be a security hindrance, as can overcrowded grid wall. These make it easier to slip something into a pocket or bag without the inventory being missed among the crowded shelves or hangars.
A little creativity in your store fixtures themselves, as well as their placement, will add to your security measures and help curb some of the shoplifting losses.
“Information and statistics provided by the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention (NASP), a non-profit organization.”
