Posts Tagged ‘mirrors’

Friday Featured Product: Security Systems

Friday, July 17th, 2009

The presence of security devices in a retail store is proven to help prevent thefts. Security devices such as mirrors and anti theft door security systems will help keep your merchandise from walking out the front door.

You want things to fly off your shelves. But those items need to stop at the register instead of going straight into a purse or backpack. By installing certain items that increase the presence of security devices, you can keeps theft at bay. And you don’t need to break the bank.

Security mirrors placed in corners and around high priced items will allow you to see these areas from the counter area and will make customers aware that you are watching them. Security mirrors are fairly inexpensive and have no carrying costs, so we would recommend that almost every store use these.

Another way to protect your merchandise is through anti theft door systems. These sensors detect when items are removed from a store when the accompanying tag on an item has not been removed or deactivated by a sales associate.

Door sensors are extremely effective, but for some stores they may be cost prohibitive. There are alternatives such as simulated door sensors and tags. These faux sensors appear to function exactly like the real version, so they have the same theft deterrent value as the real thing. However, if someone is courageous and still walks out the front door, it will not activate the alarm.

Small items such as simulated door sensors and corner mirrors will help keep theft in check and keep you from losing merchandise.

What security products does your store use?

Tuesday Tip: Customer Theft Protection

Tuesday, July 14th, 2009

Small or large, sticky fingers are a problem that plagues the retail industry. From children making off with a candy bar to experienced pros who make a living off stealing merchandise, you need to take precautions to make sure your store and your merchandise is protected.

Last year loss rates rose to account for more than $36 billion. A survey conducted by the University of Florida estimated that loss represented 1.44% of all retail sales in 2008. And experts are pointing to even higher numbers for 2009 as a result of the recession. And the scariest number in this survey is that 44% of loss is estimated to be employee theft.

Because this is such a large topic, we are going to devout two weeks to security and loss prevention. This week, the focus is on customer oriented theft.

An easy way to keep theft down is to make your presence known in the store. By wandering around your store occasionally and asking every customer if they need help, potential thieves are more aware that you are watching and will be less likely to take things.

Other tips include:

  • Keep small or easily stolen items near the counter area.
  • Use glass display cases to secure valuable items.
  • Install security mirrors in the corners of your store so that you can see all areas of your store.
  • Utilize anti theft door system with security tags for your merchandise.
  • Consider using security cameras, whether they actually function or are just simulated cameras.
  • Post signs about your store’s theft policy.

The key to successfully stopping theft in your store is to proactively take steps to keep crime down. Keep your eyes open, check large bags in the front of the store and call the authorities if you suspect someone is breaking the law.

How does your store keep theft from occurring?

Friday Featured Product: Display Mirrors

Friday, July 3rd, 2009

A buyer always wants to try on items before they purchase them. For jewelry and apparel retailers like Kerry Cottage, key supplies to have in your store are display mirrors.

You should strategically place mirrors next to jewelry counters, hat displays, clothing, sunglass displays and anywhere you have wearable merchandise. These are especially important if you do not have dressing rooms in your store.

Tilting mirrors and easel mirrors are ideal for sitting on counters. Tilting mirrors can adjust to the customer’s height whereas easel mirrors stay stationary. You should keep the height of your counter in mind when choosing a mirror. If the counter is very short, a tilting mirror might be more effective than an easel mirror.  If you sell shoes, we recommend a floor easel mirror to make shoe merchandise easy to view.

Hanging mirrors come with a convenient, universal mount that fits slatwalls or wire grids. These mirrors should be on walls or columns next to clothing. People try on jackets, sweaters and anything they can fit over their clothes in the main part of a store. Don’t just have these mirrors on the outside walls of your store. If you can, try and incorporate them within the store for easy access.

Turntable mirrors bring immediate attention to your gifts, jewelry, cosmetic or any small, light weight merchandise. There are no messy wires and can operate for days on a single D-size battery. This is a way you can feature special products and sales. We recommend switching out your merchandise on the turntable. Don’t let an item become stale.

Remember to think like your customers. Look at every area of your store from a customer’s prospective. Anywhere that someone may be tempted to try something on, make sure there is a mirror close. By having mirrors placed strategically throughout your store, you will entice customers to buy extra items such as jewelry, sunglasses and jackets.