The Courtenay Group are launching their anti-theft device Vendormark, showcased at the Retail Solutions Exhibition at the NEC.
The transparent, holographic label identifies the only place where a labelled product should be on sale. The see-through holographic label is applied over the brand logo of valuable branded products such as alcohol, batteries or razors. If a thief tries to remove the label the high-performance adhesive is designed to damage the packaging and destroy the perception of the brand. All this will significantly remove the motive for theft which is substantially driven by the ease with which goods can currently be sold on to generate a cash profit for the thief and dealers.
What they say
Simon Jarvis, Commercial Director of The Courtenay Group, said: "We are delighted with the trial results achieved. Our work with ASDA in the UK has been particularly successful and demonstrated that Vendormark has a striking and direct impact on shrinkage both in retail stores and in the supply chain." The hologram will reveal the retailer’s logo to identify which stores the product should be sold in, as well as a theftline call centre action number for the public to contact for a potential reward, if they suspect they are being offered stolen goods. Applied with an adhesive the label is securely bonded to the product packaging over the branding in such a way that it does not detract from the brand name, The Courtenay Group adds.
The makers describe the product as more than just a label; a complete practical process incorporating the initial application of the labels, a consumer awareness campaign to publicise the retailer’s use of secure anti-theft holograms, and a staff awareness campaign for retail and supply chain staff. The Courtenay Group also offer an investigation response. All packing cases are also labelled so that it is clear to anyone handling them anywhere in the supply chain that the products inside have been protected with the label. The makers add that stock losses take place at all stages of the supply chain particularly when it is being loaded, unloaded or transported form one location to another. About 60 per cent of stock loss in Europe is thought to be a direct result of internal and external theft from both supply chains and stores, the company adds; reducing stock loss will have a direct financial impact on business profitability.
