Distracting Thieves… Without Cameras & Other Fancy Gadgets

No one knows your store better than you… or do they? Thieves are nasty folks who – despite our best believes – are fairly smart. Sure, they may risk getting handcuffed and doing time, but they’re often savvy enough to avoid these scenarios and as a bonus (to them, not you) they get some free goodies along the way. So just how can indie stores combat retail theft?

Alex Roitman, a contributor to the MySecuritySign.com blog, shared his expertise in the Summer 2013 issue of Retail Minded Magazine and had these six points to share. Here, take a peak at three:

1. Assess Your Risks: Identify high risk areas in your store, likely items to be snagged and corners that get hidden as people navigate your store. Then identify ways to better support these areas with in-store staff, a change of floor plans or merchandising displays that need assistance to get products from.

2. Decide Where to Place Your Inventory: Create a risk-value ratio for your items, then merchandise your products accordingly. Lip balm, for example, is not nearly as valuable to lose as a pair of designer earrings.

3. Design Your Store With Intent: Consider where your cash register is, how organized and tidy your store is and what your total line of sight is in your store. Your goal? To see your store exit easily and also see shoppers in your store easily.

To gain Roitman’s entire six tips and supporting details for combating theft, get Retail Minded’s Summer issue of Retail Minded Magazine. Get your digital or print copy here!