In this second part of a two-part discussion on clothing security tag usage in stores not traditionally thought of as clothing suppliers, I asked readers to think about stores that could benefit from using security tags on clothes. While there are many clothing retailers that obviously would use Checkpoint tags to prevent theft, what other businesses carry clothing that we may not associate with traditional clothing sales? I came up with a brief list of my own:
Lingerie stores
Auto Parts stores
College book stores
Gift Shops
Hardware stores
Swimwear shops
Department stores
Movie/video/music stores
Handbag stores
Men’s suit/tuxedo rental stores
Even pet stores sell clothing items for our furry little friends, such as sweaters and jackets. If you own a business that falls into one of these categories, you may want to consider the benefits you could derive from using clothing security tags.
Not everyone is familiar with what clothing security tags are so I want to take a few moments to describe them and what they do. These tags come in two designs, soft tags that peel off a roll and stick to some type of backing, usually cardboard, cellophane, plastic and non-metal surfaces. The tags are difficult to remove from an item and even when the paper is peeled off, the wire coil that activates an electronic article surveillance antenna (EAS) often remains on the surface. The second style of tag is the hard tag, usually a two-piece device with a pin on one part and a “cap” for the reverse side. This type of tag pins on the clothing item and is not removed until the clothing is brought to the register and purchased.
The soft tag is best to be placed on a hanging manufacturer tag of a garment and the hard tag can be pinned in a seam or in a highly visible location on an item. Visibility is important since it acts as a deterrent to thieves who may be deciding whether or not to shoplift from your store. Both tags will activate EAS antenna alarms when brought into range of the doors where the antennas are located. Most shoplifters know what EAS antennas are and prefer to avoid setting them off so they tend to go to locations where EAS is not in use. Checkpoint tags come in both styles and Checkpoint systems can make recommendations for EAS antennas.
Although the list I have made does include stores that specialize in certain “types” of garments, such as a bridal store or lingerie shop, they are limited in what they carry. In a big box retail store, you find nearly every kind of clothing item and for every person, children to teenagers to adults, everyone can be accommodated. We should not overlook the stores that carry a limited number of softlines merchandise. Video and music stores I visit carry character and novelty t-shirts for the customer. Hardware stores often have ball caps, gardening aprons, gloves and tool belts that can be protected with Checkpoint tags. Gift shops often carry hats and even purses and wallets that can be protected with clothing security tags.
You may be thinking that your store only carries a few clothing items so it isn’t worth the investment in EAS antennas and even the soft Checkpoint tags. I would like to remind the readers that EAS antennas will detect Checkpoint tags that are on clothing and other items. You can use clothing security tags on clothing and enjoy the same level of protection by tagging all of your other merchandise as well.
Clothing security tags aren’t just for clothing stores. Take a look at the merchandise you sell and see if you may carry some items you hadn’t thought about tagging before. If you don’t carry clothes, hats or softlines merchandise now may be a great time to consider expanding your product line and increase sales. Use security tags on clothes in the process and keep theft down and profits up.
Clothing Security Tags are important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
