CP Systems-2, Retail Theft Prevention-2 , Checkpoint Labels-3 , Stop Shoplifting-1
Dwelling In The Past Won’t Stop Theft
I have transferred to a different location in our company. Anytime I move to a different store, I feel it is imperative to identify sales trends, regular theft targets, and other key information that will help me be an effective manager. The one thing I can always count on from the crew is: “Well, this is how we’ve always done it.” Some things are location specific and they do work, so I have no intention of coming in and making store wide sweeping changes. I have different ideas on how to stop shoplifting though, and sometimes my efforts meet a lot of resistance. All of our stores are equipped with Checkpoint Systems, so that’s one thing I am thankful for and I want to use every tool available to me that works in conjunction with it.
One thing I have discovered in this store is they have two locking glass cases, one in high end facial care and the other in the diet pill section. I work for a small retail pharmacy, so we are not talking about a very large building. The diet section is directly in front of the pharmacy counter and the facial section is directly across from the main front checkout register. I’m willing to bet that sales in these high retail and fairly good margin items are near zero. There are call buttons on both of them, but neither works. My plan is to remove both of these locking cases today. The employees think I’m making a big mistake and these items will be stolen immediately. But I have a plan to continue to protect these items from being stolen, but to use proven retail theft prevention tools. First of all, all of them will now have Checkpoint labels adhered to the packages. Most theft will be deterred by placing them on the outside of the boxes. First of all, most theft is opportunistic, meaning the person came to purchase the item but sees a chance to steal it instead. If the Checkpoint labels are on the front of the package, it sends a clear message to the average shopper that the item is being monitored, and most people will decide taking the chance just isn’t worth getting caught. To a booster it sends a completely different message. We place the label directly on the front so that if they attempt to remove it, there will be obvious damage left. They know they will receive less money for it from their buyer.
I have other tools at my disposal if the Checkpoint labels are not enough to stop theft. The other tools are compatible with Checkpoint Systems so I have many options if I need to employ more tactics. The most important thing to remember is that locking cases are great for some businesses, but they are not the answer to all theft problems. They also stop sales. I imagine when most customers come in to purchase any of those facial items or diet pills; they press the call button (that doesn’t work). Then when no employee ever comes to help them, they either choose another lower priced item not in the case or worse, they leave empty handed. They may buy other items and then forget to even ask for the stuff they wanted out of the case. If I wanted to try one of those diet pills that are advertised on television, that is my business, and I shouldn’t have to go up front and beg someone to open the case for me. The same goes for high dollar wrinkle creams. Those are personal and private choices, and customer service shouldn’t be impeded by our tools for retail theft prevention.
For more information on Checkpoint Systems, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
I have transferred to a different location in our company. Anytime I move to a different store, I feel it is imperative to identify sales trends, regular theft targets, and other key information that will help me be an effective manager. The one thing I can always count on from the crew is: “Well, this is how we’ve always done it.” Some things are location specific and they do work, so I have no intention of coming in and making store wide sweeping changes. I have different ideas on how to stop shoplifting though, and sometimes my efforts meet a lot of resistance. All of our stores are equipped with Checkpoint Systems, so that’s one thing I am thankful for and I want to use every tool available to me that works in conjunction with it.
One thing I have discovered in this store is they have two locking glass cases, one in high end facial care and the other in the diet pill section. I work for a small retail pharmacy, so we are not talking about a very large building. The diet section is directly in front of the pharmacy counter and the facial section is directly across from the main front checkout register. I’m willing to bet that sales in these high retail and fairly good margin items are near zero. There are call buttons on both of them, but neither works. My plan is to remove both of these locking cases today. The employees think I’m making a big mistake and these items will be stolen immediately. But I have a plan to continue to protect these items from being stolen, but to use proven retail theft prevention tools. First of all, all of them will now have Checkpoint labels adhered to the packages. Most theft will be deterred by placing them on the outside of the boxes. First of all, most theft is opportunistic, meaning the person came to purchase the item but sees a chance to steal it instead. If the Checkpoint labels are on the front of the package, it sends a clear message to the average shopper that the item is being monitored, and most people will decide taking the chance just isn’t worth getting caught. To a booster it sends a completely different message. We place the label directly on the front so that if they attempt to remove it, there will be obvious damage left. They know they will receive less money for it from their buyer.
I have other tools at my disposal if the Checkpoint labels are not enough to stop theft. The other tools are compatible with Checkpoint Systems so I have many options if I need to employ more tactics. The most important thing to remember is that locking cases are great for some businesses, but they are not the answer to all theft problems. They also stop sales. I imagine when most customers come in to purchase any of those facial items or diet pills; they press the call button (that doesn’t work). Then when no employee ever comes to help them, they either choose another lower priced item not in the case or worse, they leave empty handed. They may buy other items and then forget to even ask for the stuff they wanted out of the case. If I wanted to try one of those diet pills that are advertised on television, that is my business, and I shouldn’t have to go up front and beg someone to open the case for me. The same goes for high dollar wrinkle creams. Those are personal and private choices, and customer service shouldn’t be impeded by our tools for retail theft prevention.
For more information on Checkpoint Systems, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
