Retail theft, which adds around £180 to every family’s annual shopping bill, can be reduced by up to a quarter with an effective communications system between staff a study has claimed.
Quail Digital undertook a before and after audit of 120 stores which had installed a wireless headset system linking staff and enabling them to communicate instantly. Figures suggested that stock loss was reduced by 25pc, staff felt more secure and 73pc of store managers believed store security had improved.
“For most stores retail theft is a recurring issue and our audit clearly demonstrates that using headsets to communicate quickly and discreetly amongst staff members has helped to reduce the amount of stock lost to shoplifting. There is no doubt that having a visible system in use on the sales floor and at the checkout, signifying swift communication between staff, gives a significant boost to store security,” says Tom Downes, Quail Digital CEO.
According to a report released this week from the Centre for Retail Research, an average of over £12m of stock is lost each day amounting to £4.4 billion annually in the UK. Yet, when an in store communications system is installed, shoplifting and the associated costs can be reduced.
“Employees felt that the headsets acted as a visual deterrent to would-be thieves and if a known thief is seen to enter the store, all staff can be made aware at the same time and act accordingly. In addition, security guards monitoring CCTV cameras can communicate instantaneously with the shop floor,” added Tom Downes.
Some retailers go further, linking headsets into message key pads and onto security tagging devices which send alert messages direct to headset users. Security of staff was an added benefit of the system with employees stating that the headsets gave them greater peace of mind, particularly for those working in quieter periods like late at night.
“The overall feeling amongst staff was one of security having direct contact with other staff members across the store and demonstrating to customers that they were not alone,” said Tom.
Quail Digital is a specialist manufacturer of headset communications systems for retailers. Its new lightweight wireless headset system gives hands-free team communication to staff at all points through the store on the licence free DECT 1.8 GHz band. It has no need for a belt pack for battery and software making the system smaller and more comfortable for the wearer giving discreet communication between staff.
