Checkpoint Systems, Inc, the US-based supplier of merchandise availability products for retail, has launched intelligent electronic article surveillance (EAS) products.
The EVOLVE iRange, developed alongside global retailers, comprises six different state-of-the-art EAS antennas, a broad range of EAS labels designed for visible and source-tagging application to various types of merchandise, and the Counterpoint iD deactivation unit for faster and consistent deactivation at point-of-sale (POS). Together, the portfolio promises to deter theft from potential shoplifters, a high-degree of confidence that protected merchandise has been deactivated efficiently to avoid unpleasant false alarms for honest shoppers, and security that the antenna alarms are indeed shoplifting attempts so store staff can respond appropriately. Reported initial tests have resulted in increased product availability at test stores, improved in-store efficiency at the POS and increase in positive attitudes towards shopping experience for consumers.
EAS Jammer detection is one of the latest additions to the EVOLVE iRange. Integrated into antennas within the portfolio, the system identifies if an EAS ‘jammer’ has been brought into the store and activates an alarm, which alerts staff to the potential threat. This acts as a deterrent for shoplifters and organised retail crime (ORC) members, it is claimed, resulting in abandoning the shoplifting attempt.
A selection of new visible labelling solutions is also now available to deter thieves and enable retailers to keep their merchandise on display and on the shelf available for purchase. The Micro range – which includes the new EP Clear Micro Tamper Tag – can act as a visible yet discreet deterrent to shoplifters when placed on the outside of the packaging, according to the product company. Of importance the company adds to retailers and consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers was the fact that the new Tamper Tag is so small it can be applied without obscuring any vital product information on the packaging. This would not be possible without the latest developments in detection and deactivation, allowing the tiny footprint of Micro range of labels to deter, deactivate and detect better, it is claimed. This will also enable the retailers and CPGs to protect a wider range of products and increase on shelf availability.
Also developed with partner retailers is Counterpoint iD. This POS deactivation offers deactivation – for tags and labels of all sizes – at a lower energy consumption rate than previously possible, according to the makers. This in itself will reduce energy costs that will, the makers say, pay for the system itself. By delivering secure, rapid and guaranteed deactivation at the POS, retailers are able to improve in-store efficiency with faster point of sales transactions, increasing overall consumer shopping experience.
Ensuring with a high-degree of confidence that antenna alarms are indeed shoplifting attempts has historically been a problem for retailers. Now, thanks to built-in electronics, the new antennas in the Evolve iRange are able to offer retail stores it is claimed enhanced detection, whatever the size or position of the EAS label. When used in conjunction with the Micro range of labels, the combined system is claimed to be able to reduce store shrinkage by 30 per cent in field tests. The resulting reduction in out-of-stocks and increased merchandise availability also increased sales by an average of 10 per cent, it is claimed.
Farrokh Abadi, President and COO, Merchandise Availability Solutions at Checkpoint Systems, said: “Having the right product available in the right place at the right time is essential for retailers seeking to enhance the in-store shopping experience and increase sales. In order to do this, retailers need to have a complete solution in place to deter theft, deactivate merchandise and detect stolen items quickly and efficiently. Years of research, development and experience have been packed into our new EVOLVE iRange to make it the most complete EAS solution we’ve ever produced – and the figures prove that it actually works.”
For more on Checkpoint’s EAS solutions visit www.checkpointsystems.com.
