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We Ask, You Answered

GDA Staff -- Gifts and Dec, 10/10/2011 5:46:35 AM

With the economic downturn, have you experienced more shoplifting from your store?
Liz White
MASON & MADISON
Middleton, MA
Fortunately, we have not had any shoplifting incidences due to the economy. However we were subject to one shoplifting incident in the past. No matter how big or small the retail store may be; all types of retailers are susceptible to the growing problem of shoplifting.
One of the things we do at Mason & Madison is to create a less attractive environment for shoplifters. Our staff knows what to look for in customers who exhibit strange behavior. Shoplifters want to be left alone or they often wait for a distracted sales associate to commit a crime. If you provide good customer service, by welcoming each customer as they walk in the door, making eye contact and engaging them in conversation, you reduce opportunities for shoplifters to succeed.
The most effective tool to prevent shoplifting is good store management: implementing shoplifting policies, teaching awareness, having a good store layout and following common security practices to combat shoplifting has helped protect our store against theft.

Diane Silverstein
ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS
Huntington Beach, CA
My first experience of theft was a staff member. The person was fired on the spot and it hurt my heart. Second was a repeat customer from a local church. It was such a contradiction as she was in the process of stealing a cross and chain. I have never seen anybody jump as high with shock at being caught.
We have always had seven strategically placed cameras but the true professional seems to know how to avoid them. A year ago, I invested in the large convex mirrors that are very easy to spot. Fewer holes were found in displays! I encourage large purses to be left behind the counter to "free up my poor overburdened customer." I think this helps keep product from walking away somewhat.
I am planning on hiring two people who will be very visible on the shop floor cleaning, restocking, assisting customers whilst keeping a close eye on the mirrors. For art nights, I hire security guards depending on the value of the pieces. You can't profile either, as the best thieves seem to be well dressed or have kids and a stroller with them.

Tara Riceberg
TWEAK 99
Los Angeles
We have less shrinkage now than ever. I think it has to do with my merchandising, store policies and a great neighborhood watch system. My store only has one of each item on display and the rest of the stock is pre-wrapped. There is a product information card beside each item so if some one were to take the item, it would be pretty obvious immediately that there would be no product beside the card.
To prevent employee theft, I offer them wholesale pricing on items that I re-order into the store. As far as I'm concerned, I'm not losing revenue if I'm special ordering it for them. If they need stock immediately from the floor, then I give them a 30 percent discount. Most of the time they special order things. We exchange emails with other merchants so if there is a problem at one store, we all know about it within minutes. Once, a store captured their thief on camera. I printed out his picture, wrote "have you seen this man?" and posted it on my front door. This signals to potential thieves that we are on top of our game and won't be victimized.

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