The Christmas season is very important for every retailer. Sales often increase significantly during this time, but so does shoplifting. Stores are particularly crowded at this time of year, employees are stressed, and customers wear loose-fitting, bulky clothing. For shoplifters, these are ideal conditions for quickly snatching items amid the chaos. Clever store design strategies can prevent this—and not just during the Christmas season.
Theft risks during the holidays: trends and statistics
A look at trends and statistics shows that so-called five-finger discounts increase significantly around Christmas time. Studies conducted ten years ago already showed that merchandise loss increases by 55 percent during this period. In recent years, it has also become clear that at least one to two percent of revenue is lost due to theft. The trend is rising.
Theft protection during the holiday season: 5 smart store design strategies
Thanks to well-thought-out strategies for store designs – a well-known provider of this service is ShopDirect, for example – it is possible to significantly reduce the risk of theft during the Christmas season. Another advantage is that these tips also increase merchandise protection during the rest of the year.
1. Lighting and visibility
Less well-lit corners, slightly further away from the checkout area, are particularly popular with shoplifters. It is therefore important to ensure the best possible visibility in all areas of the store. Retailers should avoid further obscuring areas that are difficult to see with sales racks.
Well-designed lighting significantly reduces the risk of theft. Spotlights in slightly darker corners are just as helpful as indirect lighting that illuminates the area well.
2. Video surveillance
Video surveillance is a classic form of theft protection during the Christmas season. Professional video surveillance, known as CCTV for short, can be easily integrated into store design. Even the visible installation of video surveillance reduces the risk of theft. At the same time, video footage makes it easier for retailers to prove that a crime has been committed.
Retailers can tailor video surveillance to their needs. IP cameras and digital variants are available. Analog solutions are also available. Which of the options is suitable for your store depends on the lighting conditions in the area to be monitored, but also on any existing cabling in the store.
The integration of intelligent video surveillance must be clearly visible to customers. Simply indicating that video surveillance is in use in the store increases the concern of being detected.
3. Merchandise security
The constant level of shoplifting in retail stores increases significantly during the Christmas season. Merchandise security can prevent a large discrepancy between available and sold goods. EAS, an electronic article surveillance system, acts as a significant deterrent to thieves. Security tags attached to products, which trigger an alarm when the shop is left, result in a high detection rate. Crosscan offers retailers solutions for every situation and every budget.
An individual consultation can help you assess which retail security system is most suitable for your store and fits your budget. It is also possible to supplement existing systems. This allows you to create optimal conditions for theft protection.
4. Product placement and layout optimization
Well-thought-out product placement and optimized store layout make it easier for retail staff to keep track of everything. Numerous products need to be displayed in an appealing way. However, the more goods are placed in one area, the higher the risk of theft.
Taking a critical look at the existing layout of the store often helps to identify areas that could be improved. Which areas are designed in such a way that theft is easy during busy times? Goods that are easy to steal should be located in the checkout area. This also applies to products with a high value.
5. Digital access control
Digital access control is another useful addition to theft protection. The aim here is to calculate the number of customers appropriate for the size of the store. This allows staff to keep an eye on customers, provide high-quality advice, and be exposed to fewer stress factors. During the pandemic, it has already become apparent that digital access control does not have a negative impact on sales. It can even help reduce the need for additional staff during the Christmas season.
Crosscan also offers suitable solutions here. There are digital systems that can be easily integrated—for example, in the form of a traffic light. Discreet messages to staff when a certain number of customers is reached are particularly popular with retailers in small stores. This allows employees at the entrance to inform customers that there will be a short wait before they can enter the store.
Die Zukunft der Diebstahlprävention im Laden - Retail Analytics
Im Rahmen der Diebstahlprävention im Einzelhandel gewinnen Retail Analytics eine immer höhere Bedeutung. Diese werden schon lange im Online-Handel eingesetzt, um mehr Informationen über das Kundenverhalten zu bekommen. Auch im Einzelhandel ist es sinnvoll, durch Retail Analytics zu erkennen, wie Kunden reagieren. Die Integration in den Einzelhandel kann durch moderne Technologien erfolgen. Crosscan ermöglicht es Einzelhändlern, die für ihr Geschäft passende Lösung zu finden.
Eine Erhebung der notwendigen Daten ist über Kameras und 3D-Sensoren, RFID oder auch WLAN und Bluetooth Low Energy möglich. Möchten Einzelhändler sicherstellen, dass eine hochgenaue Datenerfassung erfolgt, haben sich Sensoren und Kameras als beste Lösung erwiesen.
Befinden sich in der Filiale bereits Systeme zur Videoüberwachung, können auch diese für eine Kundenanalyse genutzt werden. Hier empfiehlt sich eine Ergänzung durch 3D-Sensoren. Mit Unterstützung einer speziellen Software kann dann die Analyse der Daten erfolgen.
Durch diese Variante lässt sich mehr über den Kundenverkehr herausfinden. Schnell wird für Einzelhändler erkennbar, wie hoch die Menge an Kunden ist und wann genau die Spitzenzeiten im Geschäft sind. Dadurch wird auch erkennbar, zu welchen Zeiten die Diebstahl-Präventionen erhöht werden müssen.
Fazit zum effizienten Diebstahlschutz zur Weihnachtszeit
In der Weihnachtszeit steigt die Gefahr für Diebstähle im Einzelhandel deutlich an. Einer der Gründe dafür ist, dass es vermehrt zu Gelegenheitsdiebstählen kommt. Einzelhändler können sich vor allem durch einen durchdachten Ladenbau und technische Ergänzungen im Geschäft schützen.
Die Vermeidung von schwer einsehbaren Bereichen der Warenausstellung gehört ebenso dazu, wie die Ausstattung der Geschäfte mit Kamerasystemen und Warensicherungen. Welche Lösungen für einen Einzelhändler jedoch gut geeignet sind, ist individuell. Eine Beratung für mögliche Schutzvarianten kann durch die Experten von Crosscan in Anspruch genommen werden.
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