sensormatic labels

Sizing Up The Uses For Clothing Security Tags

Clothing security tags – 3 WC Blog 838

Sensormatic Tags – 3

Sizing Up The Uses For Clothing Security Tags

Why in the world would a non-clothing retailer ever want to use Sensormatic clothing security tags, it doesn’t make sense…or does it? What kind of stores can and should use these tags? On the surface it seems that only clothing retail stores should. But some stores that are not necessarily considered clothing stores sell articles of clothing. For example I have walked into car part stores and have noticed that they sell baseball caps. I have been in a college bookstore that sells more than books. They sell all types of apparel from athletic shorts to college logo button down style shirts. Clothing theft happens wherever garments are sold.

Perhaps you are of the mindset that none of this matters because your store only sells bedding and bathroom accessories. You never ever sell clothing of any sort. You might have a point except that shoplifters will steal bedding and bath merchandise just as quickly as they would steal a pair of shoes. The good news for you is that Sensormatic clothing security tags are versatile enough to be used on all sorts of products made of material. I worked as a Loss Prevention Officer for a big box retailer and we protected high dollar comforters with Sensormatic tags. I have also seen them used on more expensive brands of sheet sets and bath towels.

Then there are the stores that sell groceries. Ahhh, I know you think you are immune to clothing theft so you don’t need to worry about using Sensormatic tags on clothes. Now wait a minute before you stop reading. Let me ask you a question. Do you have a Sensormatic security system in place already? Are you using food-safe Sensormatic labels to protect meats? If you already have an electronic article surveillance system in place, why are you limiting what you are using it for? Why not carry some gift t-shirts or ballcaps to increase sales? Do you carry aprons for your customers? We live near a beach and a lot of grocery stores sell t-shirts with the area’s name on it for souvenirs. They also sell beach towels, baseball hats and visors to drive sales. You could do the same but you should also protect them with anti-theft tags.

There is a well-known computer/electronics store I like to shop at. They carry computers, video gaming systems, stereo systems, smart phones, etc. Guess what else they sell? You got it they sell licensed clothing and backpacks. Now this particular store does have merchandise protection systems in place but I cannot tell you if they use Sensormatic tags on clothing or not. If they don’t they should. As with the grocery store, the system is in place why not maximize it to the fullest?

Clothing security tags are not solely for clothing merchandise retailers. They have multiple uses on a wide range of products. I have used them on golfing gloves and baseball mitts. I have seen them used on curtains and sofa covers. I have also seen them pinned through blister packages in hardware departments. From drill bits to power screw drivers the tags are sturdy enough to pierce tough plastic deterring crooks from trying to shoplift even these items.

If you have a Sensormatic security system but you are only tagging those products you believe your store specializes in like a grocery store tagging meats only you are missing the boat. There are labels and tags available for all kinds of things you may carry and have not thought about. If you don’t have an electronic article surveillance system you are missing out on an opportunity to decrease shortage and improve sales. Sensormatic systems are more affordable than you might realize. I recommend you get one installed now and learn how many items you really CAN protect in your store.

Need information on Sensormatic tags? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.

Why in the world would a non-clothing retailer ever want to use Sensormatic clothing security tags, it doesn’t make sense…or does it? What kind of stores can and should use these tags? On the surface it seems that only clothing retail stores should. But some stores that are not necessarily considered clothing stores sell articles of clothing. For example I have walked into car part stores and have noticed that they sell baseball caps. I have been in a college bookstore that sells more than books. They sell all types of apparel from athletic shorts to college logo button down style shirts. Clothing theft happens wherever garments are sold.

Perhaps you are of the mindset that none of this matters because your store only sells bedding and bathroom accessories. You never ever sell clothing of any sort. You might have a point except that shoplifters will steal bedding and bath merchandise just as quickly as they would steal a pair of shoes. The good news for you is that Sensormatic clothing security tags are versatile enough to be used on all sorts of products made of material. I worked as a Loss Prevention Officer for a big box retailer and we protected high dollar comforters with Sensormatic tags. I have also seen them used on more expensive brands of sheet sets and bath towels.

Then there are the stores that sell groceries. Ahhh, I know you think you are immune to clothing theft so you don’t need to worry about using Sensormatic tags on clothes. Now wait a minute before you stop reading. Let me ask you a question. Do you have a Sensormatic security system in place already? Are you using food-safe Sensormatic labels to protect meats? If you already have an electronic article surveillance system in place, why are you limiting what you are using it for? Why not carry some gift t-shirts or ballcaps to increase sales? Do you carry aprons for your customers? We live near a beach and a lot of grocery stores sell t-shirts with the area’s name on it for souvenirs. They also sell beach towels, baseball hats and visors to drive sales. You could do the same but you should also protect them with anti-theft tags.

There is a well-known computer/electronics store I like to shop at. They carry computers, video gaming systems, stereo systems, smart phones, etc. Guess what else they sell? You got it they sell licensed clothing and backpacks. Now this particular store does have merchandise protection systems in place but I cannot tell you if they use Sensormatic tags on clothing or not. If they don’t they should. As with the grocery store, the system is in place why not maximize it to the fullest?

Clothing security tags are not solely for clothing merchandise retailers. They have multiple uses on a wide range of products. I have used them on golfing gloves and baseball mitts. I have seen them used on curtains and sofa covers. I have also seen them pinned through blister packages in hardware departments. From drill bits to power screw drivers the tags are sturdy enough to pierce tough plastic deterring crooks from trying to shoplift even these items.

If you have a Sensormatic security system but you are only tagging those products you believe your store specializes in like a grocery store tagging meats only you are missing the boat. There are labels and tags available for all kinds of things you may carry and have not thought about. If you don’t have an electronic article surveillance system you are missing out on an opportunity to decrease shortage and improve sales. Sensormatic systems are more affordable than you might realize. I recommend you get one installed now and learn how many items you really CAN protect in your store.

Need information on Sensormatic tags? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.

in General

Communication Overload Can Curtail Efforts To Stop Shoplifting

Stop Shoplifting – 3 WC Blog 833

EAS Labels – 3

Communication Overload Can Curtail Efforts To Stop Shoplifting

From retail businesses that are trying to stop shoplifting to restaurants advertising for new employees there are some really odd communications and sometimes too much signage in retail. I get a charge out of stores that post signs outside a restroom saying “No Merchandise Beyond This Point”. I look down and expect to see an “X” or a red line I can’t cross. There are signs on entrance doors that say “No Concealed Weapons Allowed”. Now I am not going into the gun debate that is not what this is about. What tickles me is if it is concealed, who is going to see it to tell the customer that they can’t have it? A fast food restaurant near where I live posted on their electronic billboard, “Expanding Staff”. Now c’mon folks, you have to admit that is probably not the best choice of words for trying to hire for a fast food restaurant. Words mean things but they may mean less when they are not communicated well and can even cause confusion. I remember asking one of my Loss Prevention Associates to put electronic article surveillance (EAS labels) on boxes of medicine without further clarifying what I wanted. The Associate did what I asked and later when I happened to look at what he tagged for me the labels were covering up warning labels! This was a big deal and I learned from then on to be clear when I gave directions to my staff members.

There was another instance when I was trying to stop shoplifting and I was following a suspect out of the store. A communication blunder occurred when I asked a member of my team to wait outside as I was getting ready to exit so I would have someone ready to assist. I stopped the suspect and got into a bit of a tussle and the shoplifter ran to her car and got away. As she drove off my assistant came up and I asked where he had gone? He said I told him to wait outside so he went to the far end of the building and waited! I did not think I had to be so specific but clearly I was mistaken…we had a serious discussion when we returned to the office.

Sometimes we can also experience information overload that detracts from our ability to communicate clearly. A good example of this is seen when we walk into a store and the doors are plastered with signage. Have you ever noticed doors plastered with signs that will include sales, store hours, warnings that shirts and shoes must be worn, this store under closed circuit television surveillance and EAS systems in use (they may even mention the specific company such as Sensormatic). Too many signs renders all of the signs ineffective in what they are intended to do. In order to better communicate with customers and improve efforts to reduce shortage I recommend that a door have hours of operation and signage that lets customers know EAS labels are in use. Other signs with holiday specials, holiday hours or sales events can be displayed immediately upon entering the store. Hint: if your store uses Sensormatic equipment some front door towers can be set up to display store signage and still sound the alarm if someone attempts to shoplift.

Although they are not signs stores can impede efforts to stop shoplifting by overusing closed circuit television camera monitors on the salesfloor. I know of a chain store that has a LOT of monitors throughout the store in various aisles. The monitor has a little flashing light and words in red that let you know they are recording. The idea is to dissuade thieves from stealing but there are so many of these monitors that people become immune to and no longer care about them, shoplifters included.

Just as overused signs and equipment can cause information overload and become ineffective, overused and careless placement of EAS labels can be ineffective too. Placing Sensormatic tags and labels on everything including candy and snacks or slapping labels on carelessly can also degrade the impact they have on shoplifters. Avoid misplacement and improper use of Sensormatic labels and tags contact Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. for training that will help reduce shoplifting and improve shortage results.

Need information on EAS labels? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.

From retail businesses that are trying to stop shoplifting to restaurants advertising for new employees there are some really odd communications and sometimes too much signage in retail. I get a charge out of stores that post signs outside a restroom saying “No Merchandise Beyond This Point”. I look down and expect to see an “X” or a red line I can’t cross. There are signs on entrance doors that say “No Concealed Weapons Allowed”. Now I am not going into the gun debate that is not what this is about. What tickles me is if it is concealed, who is going to see it to tell the customer that they can’t have it? A fast food restaurant near where I live posted on their electronic billboard, “Expanding Staff”. Now c’mon folks, you have to admit that is probably not the best choice of words for trying to hire for a fast food restaurant. Words mean things but they may mean less when they are not communicated well and can even cause confusion. I remember asking one of my Loss Prevention Associates to put electronic article surveillance (EAS labels) on boxes of medicine without further clarifying what I wanted. The Associate did what I asked and later when I happened to look at what he tagged for me the labels were covering up warning labels! This was a big deal and I learned from then on to be clear when I gave directions to my staff members.

There was another instance when I was trying to stop shoplifting and I was following a suspect out of the store. A communication blunder occurred when I asked a member of my team to wait outside as I was getting ready to exit so I would have someone ready to assist. I stopped the suspect and got into a bit of a tussle and the shoplifter ran to her car and got away. As she drove off my assistant came up and I asked where he had gone? He said I told him to wait outside so he went to the far end of the building and waited! I did not think I had to be so specific but clearly I was mistaken…we had a serious discussion when we returned to the office.

Sometimes we can also experience information overload that detracts from our ability to communicate clearly. A good example of this is seen when we walk into a store and the doors are plastered with signage. Have you ever noticed doors plastered with signs that will include sales, store hours, warnings that shirts and shoes must be worn, this store under closed circuit television surveillance and EAS systems in use (they may even mention the specific company such as Sensormatic). Too many signs renders all of the signs ineffective in what they are intended to do. In order to better communicate with customers and improve efforts to reduce shortage I recommend that a door have hours of operation and signage that lets customers know EAS labels are in use. Other signs with holiday specials, holiday hours or sales events can be displayed immediately upon entering the store. Hint: if your store uses Sensormatic equipment some front door towers can be set up to display store signage and still sound the alarm if someone attempts to shoplift.

Although they are not signs stores can impede efforts to stop shoplifting by overusing closed circuit television camera monitors on the salesfloor. I know of a chain store that has a LOT of monitors throughout the store in various aisles. The monitor has a little flashing light and words in red that let you know they are recording. The idea is to dissuade thieves from stealing but there are so many of these monitors that people become immune to and no longer care about them, shoplifters included.

Just as overused signs and equipment can cause information overload and become ineffective, overused and careless placement of EAS labels can be ineffective too. Placing Sensormatic tags and labels on everything including candy and snacks or slapping labels on carelessly can also degrade the impact they have on shoplifters. Avoid misplacement and improper use of Sensormatic labels and tags contact Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. for training that will help reduce shoplifting and improve shortage results.

Need information on EAS labels? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.

in General

Drug Addiction, Shoplifting And How Sensormatic Labels Can Make A Store Less Vulnerable

Sensormatic labels – 3 WC Blog 816

Stop Shoplifting -3

Drug Addiction, Shoplifting And How Sensormatic Labels Can Make A Store Less Vulnerable

I just watched a recorded webinar about opioid use in libraries and as I often do I found it applicable to retail businesses and the use of Sensormatic labels. Having been a Retail Loss Prevention Manager I have dealt with shoplifters and criminals who have been high on drugs. Drug use and the impact it has on society is an unfortunate problem overall but it is a real concern for retailers. I have been able to stop shoplifting by those who were high on crack cocaine, marijuana and I have even caught suspected methamphetamine users. The webinar I watched on the topic referenced how the users of these drugs become addicted and need more of the substances to maintain the same level of high. The speaker referenced how many of these addicts will resort to theft to feed the addiction and that can include car break-ins, house break-ins, robbery and shoplifting. He also spoke about libraries being a place these addicts will go to in order to shoot up, using the restrooms as a secluded location for their activity.

Clearly retailers have to be aware that if libraries are chosen because addicts feel they can blend in with the public and be out of the view of police, then stores can be chosen for the same reason. One concern noted in the webinar is the dropped needles and paraphernalia from the drug user. Some of the ingredients are potentially dangerous if they just touch the skin, such as fentanyl. The problem is potentially worse for retailers due to the fact that the addict may try to steal while they are in the store. Now you have the dangers associated with the abuser’s needles and such plus the increased chance of shoplifting. The use of Sensormatic labels to protect merchandise becomes that much more important.

Aside from the problem of how to stop shoplifting and the drug use in your store you also have to be careful about what is happening outside your store. Is the exterior of your building inviting to the drug user? I have driven around the back of some stores and they are stacked with clutter, old fixtures, broken pallets and dumpsters. They are not well lit and they are inviting to people who don’t want to be seen. This can be the dealing of drugs, the use of drugs or even waiting for someone to pass by so they can rob them. Dark parking lots with lights that are burned out are also an invitation to criminals who are looking to break into vehicles. Add to all of this panhandlers who are not banned from store property because store owners feel badly for them. I’m not trying to be harsh, I feel sympathy for those who are struggling but as a Loss Prevention Manager I also saw the discomfort and concern when shoppers trying to come in or leave my store were approached by strangers. Often it was clear that a panhandler was an addict looking for some quick money.

Drug abusers may also pose a physical danger to your employees and customers. As the speaker on the webinar was talking about the problems of the drugs, he also pointed out how they affect the users. In some instances they are lethargic and when using opioids with fentanyl they can go into a fentanyl coma. He mentioned that it is when these abusers are shaken out of their comas, as is the case when Narcam is used, they can become violent and irrational. I can also say from first-hand experience that some drug abusers on crack or methamphetamine can be violent and will fight when confronted.

So where do Sensormatic labels and systems fit into all of this? The narcotics abuser and even an alcoholic who is financially strapped but has an addiction to feed will often turn to shoplifting. They certainly do not want to be caught because that is going to impede their ability to get the next fix. That results in one of two things they risk stealing from a store where electronic article surveillance is used to stop shoplifting, significantly increasing the chance of being caught. Two, they go to stores where electronic article surveillance is not used and they face minimal risk of being caught.

Don’t allow your store to be an inviting location for thieves and especially drug addicts. Make your products less appealing and harder to steal by setting up a Sensormatic security system and placing Sensormatic labels on all of your merchandise. You will make your building safer and reduce shortage at the same time.

Need information on how to stop shoplifting? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.

I just watched a recorded webinar about opioid use in libraries and as I often do I found it applicable to retail businesses and the use of Sensormatic labels. Having been a Retail Loss Prevention Manager I have dealt with shoplifters and criminals who have been high on drugs. Drug use and the impact it has on society is an unfortunate problem overall but it is a real concern for retailers. I have been able to stop shoplifting by those who were high on crack cocaine, marijuana and I have even caught suspected methamphetamine users. The webinar I watched on the topic referenced how the users of these drugs become addicted and need more of the substances to maintain the same level of high. The speaker referenced how many of these addicts will resort to theft to feed the addiction and that can include car break-ins, house break-ins, robbery and shoplifting. He also spoke about libraries being a place these addicts will go to in order to shoot up, using the restrooms as a secluded location for their activity.

Clearly retailers have to be aware that if libraries are chosen because addicts feel they can blend in with the public and be out of the view of police, then stores can be chosen for the same reason. One concern noted in the webinar is the dropped needles and paraphernalia from the drug user. Some of the ingredients are potentially dangerous if they just touch the skin, such as fentanyl. The problem is potentially worse for retailers due to the fact that the addict may try to steal while they are in the store. Now you have the dangers associated with the abuser’s needles and such plus the increased chance of shoplifting. The use of Sensormatic labels to protect merchandise becomes that much more important.

Aside from the problem of how to stop shoplifting and the drug use in your store you also have to be careful about what is happening outside your store. Is the exterior of your building inviting to the drug user? I have driven around the back of some stores and they are stacked with clutter, old fixtures, broken pallets and dumpsters. They are not well lit and they are inviting to people who don’t want to be seen. This can be the dealing of drugs, the use of drugs or even waiting for someone to pass by so they can rob them. Dark parking lots with lights that are burned out are also an invitation to criminals who are looking to break into vehicles. Add to all of this panhandlers who are not banned from store property because store owners feel badly for them. I’m not trying to be harsh, I feel sympathy for those who are struggling but as a Loss Prevention Manager I also saw the discomfort and concern when shoppers trying to come in or leave my store were approached by strangers. Often it was clear that a panhandler was an addict looking for some quick money.

Drug abusers may also pose a physical danger to your employees and customers. As the speaker on the webinar was talking about the problems of the drugs, he also pointed out how they affect the users. In some instances they are lethargic and when using opioids with fentanyl they can go into a fentanyl coma. He mentioned that it is when these abusers are shaken out of their comas, as is the case when Narcam is used, they can become violent and irrational. I can also say from first-hand experience that some drug abusers on crack or methamphetamine can be violent and will fight when confronted.

So where do Sensormatic labels and systems fit into all of this? The narcotics abuser and even an alcoholic who is financially strapped but has an addiction to feed will often turn to shoplifting. They certainly do not want to be caught because that is going to impede their ability to get the next fix. That results in one of two things they risk stealing from a store where electronic article surveillance is used to stop shoplifting, significantly increasing the chance of being caught. Two, they go to stores where electronic article surveillance is not used and they face minimal risk of being caught.

Don’t allow your store to be an inviting location for thieves and especially drug addicts. Make your products less appealing and harder to steal by setting up a Sensormatic security system and placing Sensormatic labels on all of your merchandise. You will make your building safer and reduce shortage at the same time.

Need information on how to stop shoplifting? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.

in General