During the winter holiday season, many retailers extend their opening and closing times by an hour or two. They are trying to capitalize on the quantity of customers that are shopping at alternative hours. I know that on national retailer took a look at their people counting systems and determined that they would maintain those extended hours for the rest of the year.
It brings up a good point, should you open earlier or stay later? Some stores even question if they should open an hour later and save payroll. Without people counting systems such as VisiPlus, it can be very difficult to make an accurate determination.
The VisiPlus people counting systems provides empirical data for your stores to analyze. Here is one way that it would work for you.
Your VisiPlus report will give you a breakdown of customer traffic during each hour of the day. You can then take this report and compare it to your sales per hour. That gives you an understanding of what times during the day your sales are coming in.
At one retailer I worked at, we used the VisiPlus system and noticed that we consistently had customer traffic and sales after we were supposed to have the stores closed. When we started to break it down even further, we realized we had a large client base that was coming in about ten or fifteen minutes before we closed and was taking a while to shop and finally check out.
We started to stay open an hour later, staffed accordingly, and found that not only had we increased sales, but our recovery process was easier at night- since we provided additional staff during that time. Our employees felt less burdened, and our morning crew had an easier time opening the store and getting other projects done since they weren’t compensating for an unrecovered store in the morning.
What a difference that one hour made. Instead of being completely behind and scrambling to get things done, our store was more efficient and profitable. None of this would have been realized had we not started using people counting systems to our advantage.
During the winter holiday season, many retailers extend their opening and closing times by an hour or two. They are trying to capitalize on the quantity of customers that are shopping at alternative hours. I know that on national retailer took a look at their people counting systems and determined that they would maintain those extended hours for the rest of the year.
It brings up a good point, should you open earlier or stay later? Some stores even question if they should open an hour later and save payroll. Without people counting systems such as VisiPlus, it can be very difficult to make an accurate determination.
The VisiPlus people counting systems provides empirical data for your stores to analyze. Here is one way that it would work for you.
Your VisiPlus report will give you a breakdown of customer traffic during each hour of the day. You can then take this report and compare it to your sales per hour. That gives you an understanding of what times during the day your sales are coming in.
At one retailer I worked at, we used the VisiPlus system and noticed that we consistently had customer traffic and sales after we were supposed to have the stores closed. When we started to break it down even further, we realized we had a large client base that was coming in about ten or fifteen minutes before we closed and was taking a while to shop and finally check out.
We started to stay open an hour later, staffed accordingly, and found that not only had we increased sales, but our recovery process was easier at night- since we provided additional staff during that time. Our employees felt less burdened, and our morning crew had an easier time opening the store and getting other projects done since they weren’t compensating for an unrecovered store in the morning.
What a difference that one hour made. Instead of being completely behind and scrambling to get things done, our store was more efficient and profitable. None of this would have been realized had we not started using people counting systems to our advantage.
![Alpha High Theft Solutions Product Profile – Atlas]()
Name: Atlas
Manufacturer: Alpha High Theft Solutions
Retail Merchandise Application: Display electronics, cameras, smart phones, tablets…
Details:
Atlas™ is the newest member of our Display Solutions family. Atlas by Alpha is a low-profile, sleek stand that secures your high-theft electronics and increases your sales by allowing shoppers to fully experience and handle the merchandise.
Atlas is a fully self-contained system above the counter, it fits almost anywhere, and will integrate easily with your current fixtures. Choose from either white or black stands depending on the appearance you want.
Designed to display tablets, mobile phones, cameras, GPS devices and more, the system not only provides power to merchandise, it provides maximum security through multiple trigger points. An internal alarm and flashing LED indicate if the merchandise is tampered with and a back-up battery maintains constant security even if power is lost or power supply is interrupted.
Installation is simple. Adhesive on the base mounts securely to any flat surface without drilling any holes providing an instant security option for your high-risk merchandise. The programmable security key will arm or disarm the system and up to 20 keys can be programmed for each stand.
All of our Alpha Display Solutions are backed by a global service and support network and complement our full line of S3 security solutions. For more information on Atlas, or any of our other Display Solutions, contact us or call 1-770-426-0547
Look at theft from the shoplifter’s point of view. “I want that item (for personal use, for a friend or to sell). If I can get it out of the store, then it is mine.” So we put an Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) label or tag on it. The shoplifter still somehow steals the item and that is it.
But, we have another weapon. We can protect certain merchandise items with a tag that provides benefit denial. In other words even if the shoplifter is able to steal the item, it will do them no good because to get the benefit denial tag off, they have to destroy or ruin the product. The value of it is now gone.
The oldest of these types of tags is the ink tag. This tag will also set off the Checkpoint System, if they attempt to remove it from the store. However, if they try to remove the ink tag several glass vials break and a permanent dye ruins the cloth item it is attached to. In the early days shoplifters would put the item in the freezer to freeze the dye, then try to get the tags off. The dyes now have an anti-freeze in them.
We have other benefit denial programs. Bottle caps such as the EASy Guarde and Magna Guarde cover the top of a liquor or wine bottle. They too have an EAS tag built into them. If the shoplifter tries to get the bottle lock off, chances are they will shatter the bottle first. EASy Guarde and Magna Guarde come in both RF and AM formats. However, a retailer can use them without an EAS system like Checkpoint.
An Alpha High Theft Product’s “O” Tag can also provide benefit denial for merchandise with an electrical cord. The O Tag clams over the cord. To remove it without a proper detacher requires the cord to be cut. There are other options for jewelry, lingerie, sporting goods and DVDs.
Benefit denial is not for every type of merchandise. However, expensive items can be given this extra layer of protection. The best feature is that when the shoplifter sees a benefit denial tag, they tend to go elsewhere such as your competitor who has no protection. It is simply not worth the time and effort for the shoplifter.
Many city libraries are looking into Checkpoint Systems to discourage and reduce losses from theft. They are surprised to find that the long-term benefits actually help maintain the quality and integrity of the libraries.
That makes it easier on the city budget to do what needs to be done to provide the community an invaluable resource- the city library. Many libraries are unaware of how much they need Checkpoint Systems for library theft prevention.
The reality is that losses that libraries incur are often even more devastating financially than those to a retail store. The difference is because retail stores are revenue producing, where as libraries often run on donations, volunteers and city budgeting.
As a result, many libraries are suffering undo losses because those in City councils are unaware that libraries even incur such a loss. They reason that because the library system is based upon a free checkout, there is no logical need to steal.
It is then that these city councils reallocate budgets without factoring in losses from theft.
When there is not a budget to replace stolen items, it makes it harder for libraries to offer a quality service. When the quality of the libraries is perceived as going down hill, donations, community support and other valuable resources are no longer sufficient- starting a negative snowball effect.
Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Library Theft Detection System devices and your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system from Checkpoint Systems to stop inventory losses.
For more information on a Library Theft Detection System, Library Theft Prevention, or a Checkpoint System and how they can work with your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system contact us at Retail theft prevention to stop inventory losses in your library or call 1.770.426.0547
Many city libraries are looking into Checkpoint Systems to discourage and reduce losses from theft. They are surprised to find that the long-term benefits actually help maintain the quality and integrity of the libraries.
That makes it easier on the city budget to do what needs to be done to provide the community an invaluable resource- the city library. Many libraries are unaware of how much they need Checkpoint Systems for library theft prevention.
The reality is that losses that libraries incur are often even more devastating financially than those to a retail store. The difference is because retail stores are revenue producing, where as libraries often run on donations, volunteers and city budgeting.
As a result, many libraries are suffering undo losses because those in City councils are unaware that libraries even incur such a loss. They reason that because the library system is based upon a free checkout, there is no logical need to steal.
It is then that these city councils reallocate budgets without factoring in losses from theft.
When there is not a budget to replace stolen items, it makes it harder for libraries to offer a quality service. When the quality of the libraries is perceived as going down hill, donations, community support and other valuable resources are no longer sufficient- starting a negative snowball effect.
Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Library Theft Detection System devices and your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system from Checkpoint Systems to stop inventory losses.
For more information on a Library Theft Detection System, Library Theft Prevention, or a Checkpoint System and how they can work with your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system contact us at Retail theft prevention to stop inventory losses in your library or call 1.770.426.0547
![Alpha High Theft Solutions Product Profile – Atlas]()
Name: EVOLVE G30 also known as Style System
Manufacturer: Checkpoint Systems
Retail Merchandise Application: Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS)
antenna system for any retail environment.
Details: The Evolve G30 is a clear Plexiglas system that has a low base and a very small footprint. The G30 or Style system is designed for a double door or 6’ aisle width. The cool thing about this system is not just its looks. The G30 can be upgraded to include the Checkpoint VisiPlus People Counting System. VisiPlus counts your retail traffic in and out of your store. Producing weekly reports.
EVOLVE G30’s have LED lights in red, blue or purple that can be off, alarm only or on all the time in one color and in alarm in another color. The G30 has optional colored baseplates to fit your stores look and feel.
Best of all The G30 comes with Checkpoints robust commercial construction, installation by Checkpoint factory technicians and a full one year parts and labor warranty. All of this at a price that is very reasonable. Checkpoint EAS Systems ARE the best systems available. That is why you see them in most major retailers in the US.
Call us toll free 1-770-426-0547. We can have your new EVOLVE G30 installed in a matter of days!
Many time we retailers focus on the more obvious issues when dealing with shoplifters. Most of the time this is about “who” they are. But if our stores do not have a solid foundation before we open the doors each day we are spending our time chasing shoplifters instead of preventing them from stealing in the first place. Here are a few things to consider:
- Merchandise Presentation – How are your higher theft items such as small high value items displayed? Are they hidden from your staffs view? Are they located in out of the way areas or dark corners? Consider moving merchandise like this to main aisles or near the POS.
- Display Neatness – Stand back and take an objective look. Is your store neat and clean or is it a…mess? Merchandise on shelves should be organized and neat. Shelves should be clean and not full of dust, old signs or clutter. If your merchandise is not organized then the shoplifter will know that it is unlikely you will notice something is missing until they are long gone. It also presents an attitude to them that you are not organized at all. So how would you even catch them?
- Openness – Is your store dark and packed tight? Or are the shelves down at a level that allows the average person to see over them. Have you created areas that allow shoplifters time to conceal your merchandise? Keep all lighting in good repair and burned out bulbs should be replaced immediately.
- Signs – This is one that always makes me laugh when I see them. Signs that say that shoplifters will be prosecuted or the like are worthless. The only time they should be in a store is if they are required by law. Shoplifters don’t care or even pay attention to them. It is hard enough to get a legitimate customer to pay attention to your signage for sales and specials. If you think that a shoplifter is afraid of a sign or the concept it portrays you do not understand how shoplifters think.
- Stockroom Access – Stockrooms are generally not for customer access. But what better place for a shoplifter to steal. Merchandise is generally organized and grouped together. High shelving, poor lighting and tight aisles make this an ideal place for concealment. It is very unlikely that they would be seen by a customer and employees are generally in and out quickly. If they are found a simple “I am looking for the restroom” is all they need to say.
- POS Placement – The location of your Point Of Sale is not only critical to your legitimate customers but to shoplifters for mostly the same reasons. Is it out of the way? Is it convenient for customer service? The cash/wrap counter is generally a magnet to your staff. Many spend time there even when they are not busy. Does this give them a strategic view of the store? Your staff should have a good view of as much of the store as possible.
- Electronic Article Surveillance – EAS such as a Checkpoint system is a “force multiplier”. A Checkpoint system is designed to allow your staff to be everywhere they need to be watching merchandise without actually being there. Alpha 2 Alarm and 3 Alarm tags will go into alarm if the shoplifter tries to remove them from the merchandise. A Checkpoint system allows you to have less labor on the floor and keep shoplifting to a minimum. Of course this does not address the issue of good customer service which is also key in shoplifting prevention.
We can help you easily solve your shoplifting problems with a combination of Policy, Procedure, Training and Equipment. Call us today at 1-770-426-0547 or contact us at [email protected]
