The Many Uses of Video Surveillance in Retail Stores
If you own or manage a retail store, you should consider installing a video surveillance system. Doing so offers several key benefits that can help your store in the long run. While you may already know some of the benefits of video surveillance in the retail industry, chances are there others that will surprise you.
Inventory Control
One of the lesser-known ways in which video surveillance systems are used in retail stores is for inventory control. Video surveillance systems can be used to actively monitor products entering and leaving the store. With this information in hand, store owners and managers can make better decisions regarding which products need to be reordered and when. Of course, the video cameras need to be installed in the appropriate areas in order for them to be effectively used for inventory control purposes.
Shoplifting Prevention
Video surveillance is also an effective measure to prevent shoplifting. Whether your store sells apparel, jewelry, electronics, sporting goods, pet supplies, groceries, convenience items, or virtually any other product, chances are you’ll experience profit loss from shoplifting. Some thieves are willing to steal just about anything, which is why it’s important for retailers to implement the necessary safeguards to protect against shoplifting.
Retailers can discourage shoplifting, however, by installing a video surveillance system. With video cameras covering the store, potential thieves will think twice before “lifting” a product. And thieves who proceed to shoplift will have their face caught on camera, increasing the chance of an arrest and subsequent conviction.
In addition to video surveillance systems, retailers can also discourage shoplifting by the following:
- Install security tags on high-end merchandise.
- Install a professionally monitored alarm system.
- Use security mirrors to improve visibility around corners and aisles.s
- Hire additional staff to walk the floor and assist shoppers.
Employee Theft Prevention
It’s not just shoppers who steal products in retail stores; employees are guilty of stealing, as well. According to StatisticsBrain, employees steal more than $50 billion annually from their employers each year, attesting to the growing problem of employee theft. This same website indicates that 75% of employees have stolen from their employer on at least one occasion.
A video surveillance system can help deter employee theft. If employees know they are being watched by a video camera, they’re less likely to steal (or perform any other illegal activities such as drug use or sexual harassment for that matter).
Lower Prices
Because video surveillance systems discourage shoplifting and employee theft, retail stores and their shoppers may benefit from lower prices. Retailers are often forced to raise prices to make up for the difference of stolen product. Depending on the total value of stolen product, this can significantly impact a store’s prices. The good news, however, is that retailers can maintain low prices by implementing safeguards to protect against shoplifting and employee theft, such as the installation of a video surveillance system.
Image attribution: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cloneofsnake/
