Two new ideas on the horizon may change the way electronic article surveillance (EAS) protection is applied to apparel and accessories, reports EAS Distributors (UK) Ltd, who distribute EAS products and inktags.
One is disposable (throw away) EAS tags, and the other is "EAS tag recycling". Both methods save money by moving the tagging process from the retail store to the apparel manufacturing plant. Until now, the only viable source tagging alternative for apparel is a fabric "pouch" containing an EAS circuit. This pouch is sewn into the garment at the factory. At the point of sale, circuits are deactivated, but the consumer must cut off the pouch before the garment is worn. Introduced in the late nineties, these tags may be less expensive than the original reusable EAS tags, but may not be as effective in thwarting shoplifters because they are easy to spot and remove.
The first disposable plastic EAS tags were tested on apparel and handbags during 2003. Although the tags were affixed in the stores rather than at the factory, the "throw away" concept proved interesting. Since then, a group of department store and specialty apparel store loss prevention executives have been trying to persuade other retailers and apparel manufacturers to embrace the idea.
EAS tag recycling is potentially the most cost effective method of source tagging. Based upon the model successfully implemented for clothes hangers, apparel manufacturers will affix tags, and retailers will be rewarded with a rebate for their collection after they are removed at the point-of-sale. The tags will be sent to a collection center where they will be refurbished and recycled to apparel manufacturers. J.C. Penney & Co. applied the concept to security by source tagging and recycling inktags on fashion jeans. There are a number of advantages to recycling:
– Each item arrives at the store with a fully operational EAS tag affixed in the proper location.
– Retailers no longer must use capital to acquire tags
– Retailers save money by drastically reducing in-store tagging labour costs, and transferring the cost to its cheapest location – at the apparel factory.
– Retailers would have the option of including their current tags – including ink tags – into the recycling program, if desired.
– Plastic tags offer a higher level of security than sewn-in security labels.
– Recycling is less expensive than disposable tags. Tags with a multi-year life cycle cost less per use – even including handling costs and rebates.
– Recycling offers some immunity to the impact of petroleum price increases because the retailer neither owns nor buys tags.
– Environmental issues are minimized when compared to disposable tags.
