Running a business can be fulfilling and fun, but as any business owner can tell you, security always remains an important issue.
According to facts and figures compiled by StopRetailLoss.com, more than $13 billion worth of goods are stolen from retailers each and every year. That breaks down to $35 million each day.
For small- and medium-sized business owners, numbers like that must seem astronomical, but it's these brick-and-mortar merchants across the nation who make up a large slice of this rather bitter-tasting pie.
It's not just strangers wandering in off the street that businesses must contend with. Risk management services firm, Pinkerton, reports Federal Bureau of Investigations statistics that show employee theft is the fastest growing crime in the country.
So what are retailers to do? After all, following around every customer that enters your premises isn't just unpractical, it's rude. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy, tried-and-true methods business owners can use to beef up their security measures and discourage theft.
Out of reach
One of the simplest ways to cut down on loss is to put expensive products up high and out of reach. Retail display fixtures that make full use of your vertical space will make it much harder for thieves to accomplish their goals. If any customers want to look at the merchandise, you can simply have an employee come over with a step stool and take the product down.
Time for reflection
They may not be the most high-tech solution, but well-placed mirrors can do wonders to help you keep a better eye on your merchandise. Security mirrors will make it that much easier to keep out-of-the-way parts of your store in view, as well as let potential criminals know that you're keeping an eye out.
Say cheese
Of course, cameras can be just as effective as mirrors in this regard. Sometimes even the sight of a security camera is enough to make potential shoplifters think twice about going through with their actions.
Tag, you're it
If clothes are part of your business, don't forget to invest in security tags. These little buggers are easy to attach to clothing in out of the way places, ensuring if anyone tries to leave your store without first having an employee remove them, you'll be the first to know.
In a perfect world, no business owner would have to worry about taking these measures. In the meantime, do yourself a favor and take these precautions for better peace of mind.
