webtech, Author at Gatekeeper Systems

Preventing Holiday steals from becoming Cyber deals

The holiday season signals the start of a shopping frenzy. With jaw-dropping deals and excited shoppers ready to grab the best bargains, it’s a retail windfall that rakes in billions of dollars. However, lurking in the shadows of this commercial bonanza is an ominous problem: pushout theft.

Pushout theft occurs when shoplifters brazenly push out shopping carts filled with unpaid merchandise, bypassing the point-of-sale and causing significant losses for retailers. As the Black Friday crowds grow, these thieves blend in seamlessly, making it a prime opportunity for them to strike. But where do all these stolen goods go? The answer might be right at our fingertips—online marketplaces. As holiday season dawns, stolen items may pop up as ‘deals’ on the private seller marketplaces hosted on various e-commerce platforms, turning Black Friday pushouts into Cyber deals.

This disturbing trend underscores a crucial challenge for retailers. It’s not just about the immediate loss of goods; it’s also about the potential damage to brand reputation, and the undermining of trust among genuine shoppers. Retailers are left grappling with a multi-faceted problem, but there is a solution: Gatekeeper Systems’ Purchek® pushout theft solution.

Purchek® technology is a state-of-the-art theft prevention solution, specifically designed to address the scourge of pushout theft. While traditional security measures like CCTV cameras and security personnel serve as deterrents, they often fall short when faced with brazen pushout thefts amidst crowded aisles and jam-packed exits. The Purchek® system, on the other hand, acts as a formidable line of defense in the following ways:

Merchandise Apprehension & Employee Safety: At the heart of every retail business is the merchandise — the products that customers need and the lifeblood that keeps businesses thriving. In the battle against theft, the focus has often leaned towards detaining the culprits. But with this approach come the challenges of confrontations, violent altercations, and the associated legal ramifications. Gatekeeper Systems’ Purchek® solution offers a new perspective. Instead of targeting the shoplifter, the innovative technology targets the offender’s actions. If an attempt at removing merchandise without payment is detected, the technology renders the cart immobile. This swift, non-confrontational response ensures that goods remain within the store premises.

Boosting Sales: In the world of retail, inventory availability directly correlates with potential sales. When shelves are cleared due to theft, not only does the retailer suffer immediate losses, but there’s also a missed sales opportunity every time a legitimate customer finds an empty space. Shoplifters have long used shopping carts as a tool to facilitate large-scale, shelf-clearing thefts. By effectively neutralizing the shopping cart from the shoplifter’s arsenal with its advanced locking mechanisms, Purchek® technology ensures that merchandise stays where it belongs — on the shelves, ready for paying customers. This proactive approach not only deters theft but also guarantees that products are consistently available for purchase. The outcome? A robust inventory that drives sales, enhances customer satisfaction, and solidifies a store’s reputation for always having what shoppers need.

Shopper Experience: The journey towards profitability in retail is intrinsically linked to the customer experience, especially when it comes to the ripple effects of shoplifting. Such theft doesn’t just hit a retailer’s bottom line; it cascades down to consumers in the form of higher prices and inconsistent stock availability. When customers can’t find what they need due to unplanned stock shortages, resulting from shelf-clearing thefts, both the consumer and the retailer lose out. By taking shopping carts out of the equation for organized retail crime (ORC) groups, the solution thwarts large-scale thefts, ensuring shelves remain adequately stocked. While certain anti-theft measures, like product protection devices and locked cases, can inadvertently hamper the shopping experience, the Purchek® system operates differently. Itis a seamless backdrop in the shopping environment, offering protection without intruding upon or inconveniencing the customer.

While preventing pushout theft is the primary goal, there’s a broader narrative at play. With the rise of online marketplaces, it’s become increasingly easy for stolen goods to be sold to unsuspecting consumers. The swift transition of items from physical store shelves to digital listings further muddies the waters for genuine online shoppers. By using Purchek® technology, retailers can ensure that fewer stolen goods make it to these platforms in the first place.

The holiday shopping season should be a time of joy and excitement for both consumers and retailers. It’s a period when businesses should thrive, and shoppers should find the best deals without any underlying concerns. Pushout thefts, and their subsequent appearance on online marketplaces, threaten this ideal.

With the Purchek® pushout theft solution, Gatekeeper Systems is tackling the immediate issue of in-store theft and also indirectly helping cleanse online marketplaces of illicit listings. In ensuring a safer retail environment, Purchek® technology is shaping a future where holiday shopping remains a day of honest bargains and not an opportunity for theft, and where Cyber deals are genuine, untainted by the shadow of stolen goods available from private sellers.

Retailers, by adopting such advanced prevention solutions, are not just protecting their assets; they are safeguarding the very essence of the holiday shopping spirit.

About Gatekeeper Systems

Gatekeeper Systems’ expanded product suite of intelligent cart solutions offers solutions for EVERY retailer’s needs to minimize merchandise loss, reduce asset and labor expenditures.

Gatekeeper’s loss prevention and cart containment solutions utilize patented locking technology to put an end to cart-based shoplifting, shopping cart loss, and uninformed decision-making. Cart management solutions increase safety and reduce labor costs by maximizing productivity while simultaneously resulting in a positive store image.

Intelligent pushout theft prevention solutions stop thieves and their cart full of unpaid merchandise from leaving the store. Customizable technology allows retailers to defend their entire store or just a high loss department based on the store’s unique layout.

Business Intelligence solutions provide increased visibility for informed decision making. Increase efficiency, optimize fleet size, and perfect the entire customer shopping experience with store and enterprise-level analytics.

The Tide is Changing

In the dynamic world of retail, shoplifting remains a constant challenge. For years, retailers have been in an ever-evolving battle with shoplifters, seeking innovative ways to protect their merchandise while ensuring a pleasant shopping experience for their customers. In particular, high-value items like Tide® laundry detergent have borne witness to this relentless game of cat and mouse, embodying the changing tides of theft prevention strategies. In the relentless quest to outwit shoplifters, the advent of Gatekeeper Systems’ Purchek® heralds a new dawn of intelligent and non-confrontational theft prevention.

To appreciate the revolution that has taken place, it is vital to explore the journey of shoplifting prevention. In the early days, the frontline defenses against theft were rooted in the simple strategies of attentive customer service and ensuring clear visibility throughout the store. Friendly staff, trained to approach and assist anyone acting suspiciously, often deterred potential thieves simply through genuine interaction. Store designs were also thoughtfully crafted to eliminate hidden corners or blind spots, making it challenging for shoplifters to operate discreetly. These foundational measures were as much about creating a positive shopping environment as they were about prevention, emphasizing the idea that a well-run, customer-centric store naturally minimized opportunities for theft. These measures, while effective, were far from foolproof. Shoplifters adapted and refined their techniques, necessitating an evolution in prevention methods.

The rising tide of shoplifting ushered in the era of ‘lock and key’. High theft items, including the ever-popular Tide ® laundry detergent, were either locked behind glass doors or encased in security fixtures. While this approach acted as a physical deterrent, it also symbolized a shift in the retail environment. The trust once extended to customers was now tempered with caution. Shopping became a slightly more restrictive experience, with shoppers often needing assistance to access specific products. This era not only highlighted the increasing challenges retailers faced but also underscored the balancing act between ensuring security and maintaining an inviting store atmosphere.

In response to these challenges, technology stepped in with electronic article surveillance (EAS), CCTV cameras, and other electronic security measures. However, these technologies were passive, only triggering alarms post-theft or acting as psychological deterrents. As technology advanced further, retailers adopted more sophisticated systems, including facial recognition software, RFID, and analytics to identify acts of theft. However, technologies that merely identify thefts, as they happen, can inadvertently place employees in harm’s way. By signaling a theft without preventing it, staff may feel obligated to confront the culprits, exposing them to potentially violent and dangerous situations. Such reactive measures, while helpful in identification, may escalate tensions and risk employee safety. The need for a proactive, real-time solution was evident, setting the stage for the introduction of Purchek® by Gatekeeper Systems.

The Changing Tide

Purchek® is the epitome of innovation, transforming the narrative of shoplifting prevention. By identifying and stopping shoplifters and their carts full of unpaid merchandise in real-time, Purchek® revolutionizes theft prevention without compromising shoppers experience or employee safety. The invisible nature of this technology to paying customers underscores its brilliance. Shoplifters are stopped in their tracks, yet shoppers move seamlessly, oblivious to the robust security mechanisms in place.

With Purchek®, the ‘Tide is Changing’ metaphor gains a literal and figurative interpretation. Tide® laundry detergent, a product often ensnared in the shackles of lock and key, is now free, accessible, and secured. Purchek® guarantees that merchandise only leaves the store once paid for, marking the pinnacle of a journey from confrontational and passive methods to a proactive, non-violent theft prevention paradigm. Beyond theft prevention, Purchek® plays an instrumental role in enhancing sales and customer experience. Purchek® seamlessly champions the ideal shopping experience, offering a solution that resonates with both retailers and their customers. At its core, Purchek® is thoughtfully designed to be invisible to paying customers, ensuring that their shopping journey remains uninterrupted and devoid of any unnecessary friction. One of the most vexing experiences for a shopper is discovering that their desired product is out of stock, a situation that is often exacerbated by rampant theft. By effectively curbing shoplifting, Purchek® ensures that merchandise remains readily available on the shelves, catering to the eager shopper’s expectations. Furthermore, the absence of physical barriers and the inconspicuous nature of the technology inspire confidence in shoppers and elevate their shopping experience. This means that customers can freely interact with products, fostering a tangible connection that often leads to purchase decisions. Moreover, by consistently keeping theft in check, retailers are better positioned to maintain competitive pricing strategies. Reduced losses from theft mean that the costs aren’t transferred to the consumer, allowing for pricing that aligns with customer expectations. In essence, Purchek® isn’t just a theft prevention tool; it’s a catalyst for cultivating a superior, positive, and satisfying shopping experience for every customer.

For employees, the elimination of violent confrontations with shoplifters not only ensures their safety but also fosters a pleasant working environment.

As we embrace the Purchek® era, the retail landscape is poised for transformation. A future where security, employee welfare, and exceptional customer experience coexist is not a distant dream but a tangible reality. Purchek® is not just a technology but a strategic partner for retailers, heralding an era where the ‘Tide’ of shoplifting prevention is not just changing but has indeed changed .

The evolution of shoplifting prevention has been marked by the constant adaptation and innovation aimed at staying ahead of shoplifters. Purchek® by Gatekeeper Systems represents a significant milestone in this journey, offering retailers an intelligent, non-confrontational, and customer-friendly theft prevention solution. The ‘Tide’ has indeed changed, heralding a future where retailers can confidently display their merchandise, including high-theft items like Tide® laundry detergent, without the fear of loss, and where customers can enjoy an enhanced shopping experience unfettered by intrusive security measures. The balance between robust theft prevention, employee safety, and enriched customer experience has been struck. The tide is not just changing; it has arrived.

About Gatekeeper Systems

Gatekeeper Systems’ expanded product suite of intelligent cart solutions offers solutions for EVERY retailer’s needs to improve safety, minimize merchandise loss, reduce asset and labor expenditures and increase store profits.

*Tide® is a registered trademark of Proctor & Gamble and these references present no affiliation to their company.

Safety: Add it to your cart

Shoplifting is not a new problem for retailers. However, the alarming rise in shoplifting incidents has not only led to significant financial losses for businesses but also increasingly endangered employees who are often tasked with confronting the offenders. The need for a safer, contact-free approach to this issue is more urgent than ever. Many retail loss prevention and safety leaders have relied too long on conventional methods of shoplifting prevention and the risks they entail.

The Current Dilemma: Confrontation and Danger

The traditional approach to shoplifting prevention has often included surveillance, alarms, and, unfortunately, direct confrontation between employees and the shoplifters. This approach can quickly escalate into violent altercations, putting employees at risk of injury or even worse.

The psychological stress of dealing with potential shoplifters and the potential legal ramifications of these confrontations also add to the burdens faced by retail staff. In the face of these challenges, the call for a safer, more technologically driven solution is growing louder.

Enter Purchek®: A Comprehensive Safety Solution

Gatekeeper Systems Purchek® solution, is stepping up to answer this call by providing a confrontation-free approach to stopping shoplifters. This innovative system leverages technology, offering a suite of “safety” advantages:

1. Employee Safety

Purchek® plays a crucial role in employee safety by thwarting shoplifting attempts with cart-based technologies at the moment a theft occurs. According to a 2022 shoplifting study, the Pushout Theft News Center reported that 16.3% of pushout theft attempts ended in violence. When a shoplifting attempt is detected, Purchek® remotely activates, disabling the shopping cart. This confrontation-free approach negates the need for employees to physically intervene, significantly reducing the risk of violent altercations. The emphasis on a contact-free solution prioritizes the well-being of employees, providing a safer retail environment and underscoring the retailer’s commitment to protecting its staff.

2. Psychological Safety

In a retail environment, confrontations with shoplifters can escalate quickly, leading to violent situations that are not only physically dangerous but also extremely distressing to the staff. Encountering such violence regularly can create a hostile and tense work environment, severely affecting the mental health of employees. Anxiety, constant fear, and emotional trauma can become prevalent, impacting the overall well-being and productivity of the staff. Purchek® provides a proactive and non-confrontational approach to theft prevention, prioritizing the emotional and psychological welfare of employees. By deterring shoplifting without direct confrontation, it helps create a more secure, stress-free work environment, allowing staff to focus on customer service and their tasks at hand, rather than living in fear of potential violent interactions. It’s a vital step in building a safer retail landscape, where the mental well-being of employees is as much a priority as loss prevention.

3. Customer Safety

Eliminating dangerous confrontations with shoplifters is instrumental in not only protecting retail assets but also in safeguarding customer safety. Violent shoplifters create an environment of uncertainty and danger that can extend beyond the employees to affect customers as well. Confrontations in stores may lead to chaotic situations, where customers find themselves caught in the crossfire of aggressive interactions between staff and thieves. This can lead to physical harm, or at the very least, an extremely unpleasant shopping experience that can leave customers feeling traumatized or hesitant to return. By employing Purchek®, retailers can significantly reduce the likelihood of these confrontations occurring in the first place. Purchek’s non-aggressive approach ensures that theft is deterred without putting customers in harm’s way, preserving a calm and welcoming shopping environment. As retailers become more focused on providing a positive customer experience, solutions like Purchek® are essential in maintaining a safe space where customers can shop without fear or anxiety.

4. Sales Safety

By focusing on a confrontation-free shoplifting prevention strategy, Purchek® has become an essential tool in supporting retail sales. Unlike conventional methods that may target the shoplifter, Purchek’s innovative approach is centered on apprehending the merchandise itself. By employing technology and strategies that prevent items from leaving the store without proper checkout, Purchek® ensures that merchandise remains available on the shelves. This is vital in an industry where product availability is often directly correlated with sales performance. When potential customers find what they are looking for, the likelihood of making a sale increases significantly. On the other hand, shoplifting can lead to gaps in inventory, frustrating customers and leading to lost sales opportunities. By keeping merchandise in the store, Purchek® not only deters theft but also contributes to a well-stocked, appealing retail environment that encourages purchasing. Its approach aligns with the needs of modern retail, emphasizing customer satisfaction and sales growth, rather than merely focusing on loss prevention. In this way, Purchek® is redefining theft prevention by directly linking it to positive customer experiences and enhanced sales performance.

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5. Budget Safety

The Purchek® solution has not only proven its effectiveness in reducing theft but also its cost-efficiency, as illustrated by the return on investment (ROI) analysis conducted by Emeritus Professor Adrian Beck. The research showed a significant decline in pushout theft losses by an average of 49% in number and 47% in value following the initial installation. For a retailer with annual sales of around $55 million and an installation cost of $40,000, the discounted payback period was just over one year. This led to a net present value (NPV) of $64,500 and an impressive internal rate of return (IRR) of 70%. These figures strongly demonstrate that Purchek® is not merely a cost but an investment with substantial returns. The threat of pushout thefts is real and significant, especially for retailers offering shopping carts. The wheel locking technology addresses this issue directly, providing a solution that not only curtails theft but does so in a financially sensible manner. The research conclusively shows that investing in the Purchek® technology translates into tangible financial gains, making it a highly attractive proposition for retailers seeking an efficient, budget-friendly way to safeguard their assets and maintain profitability.

A Future Without Fear

Shoplifting is not a problem that will disappear overnight, but solutions like Purchek® are making strides in tackling this issue with a people-first approach. The locking-wheel technology is more than a security system; it is a statement that values the safety and respect of employees while maintaining a positive environment for customers.

The push for safety in the retail world is a collective responsibility and embracing technologies like Purchek® represents a significant step towards a future where shoplifting prevention doesn’t have to come at the cost of personal safety or ethical compromise.

Investing in Purchek® is investing in a safer, more secure retail experience. It’s time to make the shift and make a push for safety.

About Gatekeeper Systems

Gatekeeper Systems’ expanded product suite of intelligent cart solutions offers solutions for EVERY retailer’s needs to minimize merchandise loss, reduce asset and labor expenditures.