• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

My TechDecisions

  • Best of Tech Decisions
  • Topics
    • Video
    • Audio
    • Mobility
    • Unified Communications
    • IT Infrastructure
    • Network Security
    • Physical Security
    • Facility
    • Compliance
  • RFP Resources
  • Resources
  • Podcasts
  • Subscribe
  • Project of the Week
  • About Us
    SEARCH
IT Infrastructure, Managed Service, News, Physical Security

Security Technology Tips for Retailers During Holiday Shopping

The holiday shopping season is upon us, so here are some ways to leverage technology to help prevent retail theft.

November 21, 2022 Zachary Comeau Leave a Comment

Retail Theft
Hiding clothes. Quick professional thief hiding new clothes into his big backpack while stealing in a fashionable shop

With the holidays around the corner and Black Friday shoppers set to hit the stores this week, one managed service provider that specializes in retail security is urging retailers to leverage technology to help prevent theft.

Interface Systems, a Missouri-based provider of security, managed network, communications and business intelligence solutions to distributed enterprises, says retailers should heighten their awareness of organizations retail crime, which the firm says has increased by more than 25% since last year.

In addition, nearly 53% of retailers reported external theft to the National Retail Federation, according to Interface Systems.

Sean Foley, senior vice president of customer success at the managed service provider, says the holiday season brings longer hours, a larger inventory and more crowds to stores, all of which increase risk.

“What should be ‘the most wonderful time of the year for both shoppers and retailers, is becoming increasingly stressful due to an increased risk of theft and violence against employees,” Foley says. “Technology solutions can offer effective deterrents for retailers who face security risks every day.”

Interface Systems recommends investing in digital surveillance technology to help augment loss prevention professionals, such as remote security services leveraging cameras, speakers and microphones. These solutions provide discreet, always-on surveillance without degrading the shopper experience and allow remote security professionals to identify suspicious individuals and alert in-store staff or law enforcement.

In addition, the managed service provider recommends retailers use motion-triggered, AI-powered cameras that can be deployed in conjunction with speakers and lighting systems that can automatically warn loiterers during non-business hours. Designed to be installed in parking lots or loading areas, these solutions can be programmed to play different audio messages based on the context and even alert remote security professionals.

To maximize return on investment, Interface Systems recommends integrating video surveillance and security systems with point-of-sale systems to allow for transactions to be mapped to video recordings to help retailers find instances of theft, including coupon fraud, refunds made without customers, sweethearting and unauthorized price overrides.

As with cybersecurity, employee training and awareness is equally important in physical security, according to Interface Systems.

The company recommends implementing a robust training and communications program to help keep employees and customers safe, including training for both seasonal and existing employees. Training should include role-playing scenarios, drills, and a synopsis of the security technologies deployed. An emergency communication plan should also be clear to all employees.

“Retailers need a comprehensive safety program to prepare and protect their associates from a variety of dangerous situations,” says Tyson John, senior vice president of security monitoring operations at the firm. “When employees know that their safety is the priority, it creates peace of mind and can boost morale and productivity.”

Tagged With: Retail, Surveillance

Related Content:

  • IT news, This Week in it, Microsoft 365, Hive ransomware, iOS 16.3, AltspaceVR, RMM software This Week in IT: Microsoft Outage, VR, Cyberattacks,…
  • Cloud Security, Varonis Varonis Launches Automated Posture Management
  • Atera, OpenAI Atera Launches OpenAI Integration for IT Script Generating
  • Cisco New York office, hybrid workplace, hybrid meeting Take This Short Survey on Collaboration Technology

Free downloadable guide you may like:

  • Harnessing the Power of Digital SignageHarnessing the Power of Digital Signage

    Choosing the best solutions for messaging, branding, and communicating in today’s content-everywhere landscape

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get the FREE Tech Decisions eNewsletter

Sign up Today!

Latest Downloads

Harnessing the Power of Digital Signage
Harnessing the Power of Digital Signage

Choosing the best solutions for messaging, branding, and communicating in today’s content-everywhere landscape

Blueprint Series Cover: What works for hybrid work
Blueprint Series: What Works for Hybrid Work

Download this free resource to learn about how IT leaders can effectively manage and implement a hybrid work model.

Guide to creating a ransomware response plan download
Blueprint Series: Creating a Ransomware Response Plan

Chances are ransomware hackers are researching your company right now. They’re investing time and money to choose the most profitable targets and a...

View All Downloads

Would you like your latest project featured on TechDecisions as Project of the Week?

Apply Today!
Sharp Microsoft Collaboration HQ Logo

Learn More About the
Windows Collaboration Display

More from Our Sister Publications

Get the latest news about AV integrators and Security installers from our sister publications:

Commercial IntegratorSecurity Sales

AV-iQ

Footer

TechDecisions

  • Home
  • Welcome to TechDecisions
  • Subscribe to the Newsletter
  • Contact Us
  • Media Solutions & Advertising
  • Comment Guidelines
  • RSS Feeds
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Linkedin

Free Technology Guides

FREE Downloadable resources from TechDecisions provide timely insight into the issues that IT, A/V, and Security end-users, managers, and decision makers are facing in commercial, corporate, education, institutional, and other vertical markets

View all Guides
TD Project of the Week

Get your latest project featured on TechDecisions Project of the Week. Submit your work once and it will be eligible for all upcoming weeks.

Enter Today!
Emerald Logo
ABOUTCAREERSAUTHORIZED SERVICE PROVIDERSTERMS OF USEPRIVACY POLICY

© 2023 Emerald X, LLC. All rights reserved.