The Secure Store
One of the highlights of the EXPO Hall at this year’s event was the Secure Store, a mock-up of a retail location with the latest in LP technology. A number of vendors displayed their products in the ‘real world’.

Entering the store one of the first things you noticed was the windows, or more accurately the window coverings and display cases. The security rolling shutters and product cases were provided by QMI. The shutters and cases are custom made to meet/fit any need.

Looking up you would see a number of security cameras and one very tiny 360 degree pinhole camera. All of this surveillance gear was monitored by ClickIT. Their video analytics package offered a number of ‘views’ of the Secure Store as well as analysis tools to combat loss.

Once you ’see’ the suspect it’s good to know who they are. Riverview Systems was on hand to demonstrate their visual recognition software. The service allows retailers to put a face to, and track individuals that have been no-trespassed in all their locations.
>Protecting merchandise is obviously a key issue and Universal Surveillance provided tag solutions and booster bag detection systems. Universal displayed a number of innovative tag solutions to easily and attractively display merchandise, while maintaining security.

The Secure Store also provided solutions for tracking product and returns with Siras. The system tracks products during their entire lifecycle by serial number. The goal is to avoid fradulent returns and deter theft.

Siras also provided some great examples of ‘fake’ returns, i.e. original packaging with fraudulent items inside.

Stopping shoplifters on the way out was the responsibility of Carttronics. Their RFID-based Push-out Prevention System (POPS) stops customers from exiting the store with a cart-load of goods that has not paid at the register.

Protecting the back door of the Secure Store was DETEX. The DX Bolt provided additional security against break-ins. The code-compliant kits are easy-to-install and can be added to most existing systems.

Of course if you have a number of doors you’ll know that re-keying is always an issue. Amphion demonstrated their Reduce, Reuse & Recycle system. Amphion allows retailers to easily re-key doors by re-implementing your existing hardware and then recycling old hardware. Re-keying a door is as simple as turning a key.

Managing the ‘cash’ in the Secure Store was the responsibility of RSS Partners and their patented money counter, The Banker. The system offers consistent ongoing accuracy in counting currency. The goal is to reduce labor costs and provide true cash control.

As we all know the human element is a key factor in LP. Metro One Loss Prevention Services Group provided on-the-floor security as well as store detectives and investigators.

Educating staff about LP issues was achieved by working with Global Compliance SM. Their interactive kiosks, multimedia presentations and print pieces truly stood out from the standard ‘memo’. Informing staff about the issues and risks involved with LP helps you sell and implement programs internally.

Signage in the store was hard to miss. Large LCD monitors offered dynamic messaging via Vital-Signz, a Santa-Barbara based media and technology company. Transitioning from flat printed displays to dynamic displays immediately offers greater impact and flexibility.
If you stopped by the Secure Store we’d love to know what you thought…leave a comment below.

