In the real estate market, curb appeal is the first impression a potential homebuyer has regarding a property for sale. Great curb appeal makes a homebuyer want to go inside, it makes them want to see more. The reasoning behind it is the more attractive and well maintained a home is on the outside, the more attractive and well maintained the inside presumably will be.
Retail establishments operate under a similar premise- the outside of their storefronts and buildings should convey a strong image about their brand, and the products they carry. Successful retail curb appeal should draw in potential customers and get them in the mood to purchase the retailer’s merchandise.
Curb appeal is also what drives a shoplifter or a thief inside your store. They will size your business up from the outside first. They look to see if there are any signals pointing them to your store as an easy target.
They might look for signage indicating that Checkpoint Systems are in use. The can listen for EAS alarms registering from the Checkpoint Systems towers, or they may physically look to see the towers in the doorways.
Thieves will also look for other indicators like inattentive employees; high-end merchandise that can be resold, or exterior décor and merchandise that can be readily stolen.
Without visible cues of Checkpoint Systems in place, a thief might look for other indicators that they will be less likely to be detected. Is the store in a remote location, or dimly lit at night? Can the exits be easily accessed or is their a back door or side entrance that is not well staffed or monitored?
These kinds of signals are portrayed in the curb appeal for shoplifters. Once they determine your store to be a good target, you can bet on an increase in shoplifting.