USING STORE DESIGN AS AN EFFECTIVE RETAIL THEFT PREVENTION METHOD

There are literally tons of ways that you can attack shoplifting in your store. From EAS devices, to security cameras to employing LP agents; if you have the budget. What if you’re planning on opening your very first store? What if you don’t have the initial capital for all those fancy gadgets? What if you need to stop shoplifting by relying on the lowest tech methods available to you? Retail theft prevention starts with proper store design. 

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Tell me who is the Greatest Shoplifter of Them all

 I’m sure you’ve been into a Walgreens store once or twice. Ever notice that they have mirrors that literally wrap around the entire store? I love it. I wish my company would do this. It makes catching a thief so doggone easy. I can stand 4 aisles away pretending to browse shampoo and watch a booster stuff razors without him ever knowing I’m watching. Perhaps you don’t want to mirror your entire store, but a few well-placed mirrors in those blind corners can have a major impact on theft. 

Get Low

 Yes, you want to maximize the space you have to display as much merchandise as possible in the limited amount of space you have. To really keep an eye on your products, keep your aisles and shelves low, no more than 5-6 feet high. This allows for plenty of retail space while allowing you to see from one end of your store to the other. Don’t let a thief use your own aisle against you.   

Stop Shoplifting by Eliminating Dark Corners

 Ever find yourself in a dimly lit corner of your store? Often, lighting is overlooking as a retail theft prevention method. Thieves like to operate without being seen or acknowledged. If you’ve got some terrible lighting in one spot of your store, you can bet that thieves will take full advantage of this area. Make sure that your lighting is consistent across your store. 

Seriously, Lock the Fitting Room

 I’m not kidding. I have apparel managers that moan and complain about their shortages, but refuse to lock their fitting rooms. If you want to stop shoplifting, and you have a fitting/dressing room, you have to LOCK IT. An open and unattended dressing room is the equivalent to find the holy grail if you’re a shoplifter. If you’re going to install a dressing room (which is essential if you sell clothes) make sure to install those locks. 

Open Sell Concept is Great for Sales and Greater for Thieves

 Retail theft prevention practices evolve every month it seems. Retail trends are also ever evolving and as a retailer, you have to keep up if you plan on staying in business. Customers want access to products that they are shopping for. They want to touch it, test it and feel it before they buy it. That poses a problem if that item is a few hundred bucks. Thankfully, there are copious amounts of security fixtures that allow you to display a host of different items all while keeping them secure. From cables locks, to labels, there’s bound to be a solution out there for you. 

When thinking of ways to stop shoplifting in your store, don’t forget to consider the actual design of your store. With just a few simple tweaks and a bit of good planning, you can drastically reduce the appeal your store has to shoplifters. So the next time you find yourself complaining about shortages, take a look at your store and see if it’s enabling your criminals. 

For more information about Retail Theft Prevention, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.