Did you know that the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention (NASP) estimates that $13 billion worth of goods is stolen from retailers every year? That adds up to almost $35 million dollars per a day. In fact, NASP estimates that one out of every eleven people will shoplift at some point in their lives. Keeping your merchandise secure is a key component of effective retail store management. How can you ensure that the merchandise in your retail store is secure? Take a look at these five tips and tricks.
1. Maximize visibility. To help ensure that your employees can spot any shoplifters trying to make off with your merchandise, it is critical to maximize the visibility of your products. The key is to place shorter, smaller displays as close to the register as possible. Any taller, larger displays should go near the perimeter of the store. You can also use mirrors to eliminate any kind of blind spots.
2. Invest in high-quality, secure display cases. The easiest way to deter shoplifters? Secure valuable goods in high-quality display cases. For example, Subastral Inc. offers a range of elegant yet secure jewelry and trophy cases that can be an excellent way to secure merchandise.
3. Train your employees. When it comes to preventing shoplifting, a little bit of training can go a long way. Teach your employees the signs and behaviors that might indicate that a person is shoplifting, such as customers who appear nervous, customers that stare at employees or other customers, customers that are hanging out in areas that are difficult to see or monitor, or customers that repeatedly leave the store and then return.
4. Make your presence known. Don’t just let customers wander the store alone. Make your presence known. Of course, you don’t want to hound your customers. But it is a good idea to greet them and ask if they need anything periodically.
5. Put your registers next to entry and exit points. When cash registers are situated near the entry and exit points of your store, customers have to walk past employees when they come in and go out. This can make it harder for customers to sneak stolen goods past your employees.
