Introduction
The convenience store industry is in the middle of a transformation, with new challenges and exciting opportunities emerging faster than ever. From rising security concerns to an evolving customer experience, technology is playing a crucial role in helping c-store operators navigate these shifts. As consumer behaviors shift and security concerns grow, operators must embrace innovative solutions that address key areas: loss prevention, safety and security, and operational efficiency. Let’s dive into the top trends driving change in c-stores today and share actionable insights on how operators can stay ahead of the curve.
Convenience stores are evolving beyond fuel and snacks, playing a larger role in food service and retail. Here’s a look at the current landscape:
- 152,255+ convenience stores operate across the US as of 2025, with nearly 80% offering fuel (NACS)
- While the number of locations has remained steady, food service is now a major revenue driver, accounting for 27% of in-store sales and generating $88 billion in 2023 (CS News)
- Sales of prepared foods, such as sandwiches and hot meals, have grown by more than 12% year over year (NACS)
Today’s convenience stores are no longer just quick stops. With a growing focus on food and essentials, they’re becoming go-to destinations for customers on the move.
Where do losses happen in convenience stores?
Shrink doesn’t come from just one source, and without the right visibility, it’s easy for losses to slip through the cracks.
- Shoplifting is still a top concern: 35% increase in violent shoplifting incidents; 70% of retail operators reported more theft from repeat offenders (NRF)
- Employee theft can quietly cause long-term damage: Giving out free items, pocketing cash, or manipulating refunds or voids, internal theft adds up fast without managed video and POS oversight
- End-of-shift bag drops are a vulnerable point for theft: Nightly cash and bag drops can be prime targets for theft. Without proper oversight, employees may take advantage of these opportunities to pocket cash or merchandise during the deposit process
- Operational mistakes add up: Pricing mistakes and ringing up the wrong items are all common issues that lead to losses, especially during busy shifts
- Food waste is another hidden leak: With more c-stores focusing on fresh food and prepared meals, perishable inventory loss is becoming a bigger factor in overall shrink
- Fraud is evolving: Convenience stores are seeing a rise in cases of credit card chargebacks, card skimming, fake mobile payment apps, and the use of stolen card data for purchases
That’s why modern loss prevention strategies need more than just security cameras, they need video-backed data, real-time alerts, and tools to pinpoint exactly where losses are happening.
Best security camera placement for convenience stores
Strategic placement of security cameras is one of the most effective, and often overlooked, ways convenience store operators can strengthen loss prevention, improve operations, and enhance safety and security. It’s not just about having security cameras, it’s about having them in the right places to give you a full picture of what’s happening, both inside and outside your c-store.
Best indoor security camera placement
- Entry and exit points: Cameras should be mounted above each entrance and exit to capture clear facial images, track foot traffic, and support investigations when needed
- POS terminals: Position cameras above or slightly angled toward each register to monitor transactions, deter theft, and verify employee behavior
- Back office and safes: Cameras should be aimed at the back office entrance and safe to monitor access, making sure cash handling procedures are followed, and discouraging internal theft
- Coolers and beverage stations: Place cameras to cover high-traffic cooler doors and soda machines where slip-and-fall claims or product tampering may occur
- Aisles and product displays: Install cameras at the ends of aisles to get a wide view of shopping behavior, spot potential shoplifters, and monitor stocking activity
- Stockroom and employee-only areas: Use cameras to keep an eye on staff-only zones and vendor deliveries, ensuring compliance with procedures and preventing unauthorized access
Best outdoor security camera placement
- Fuel pump islands: Cameras should face fuel stations to capture vehicle license plates, customer activity at the pumps, and any incidents like drive-offs or tampering
- Parking lots and building perimeters: Install wide-angle security cameras to monitor loitering, suspicious behavior, vandalism, and customer or employee safety as they move to and from the store
- Dumpster and loading areas: Monitor these typically less-visible spots to discourage unauthorized dumping, vandalism, or inappropriate employee behavior.
For more information on security camera placement, read 7 Key Areas C-Store Owners Need to Monitor.
The growing need for advanced loss prevention in c-stores
Theft, whether from external sources or internal employees, remains one of the biggest challenges for convenience store operators. As retail environments evolve, the risks are becoming more complex. Self-checkout systems, for example, offer convenience but also open the door for new theft opportunities, with minimal oversight and less direct interaction with staff. According to a report by Supermarket News, self-checkout systems are linked to a shrink rate of 3.5%, that’s over 16 times higher than the 0.21% shrink rate seen with traditional checkout counters.
An all-in-one loss prevention system, one that combines managed video, POS integration, and cloud-based security tools, gives c-stores the visibility they need to spot suspicious activity and take action faster. AI-powered surveillance can flag unusual patterns and send real-time alerts, helping teams catch theft in the moment, not after the fact. By linking video directly to transaction data, operators can investigate issues like voids, refunds, and under-rings without wasting time.
Those who invest in AI-powered surveillance, integrated video solutions, and cloud-based security tools will be best positioned to stay ahead.
Common types of traditional retail loss
Convenience stores are especially vulnerable to various forms of theft, both internal and external. Understanding the different types of theft can help operators implement the right strategies to prevent and address these issues.
- Shoplifting: Customers stealing merchandise, often in small quantities but significant over time
- Employee Theft: Staff taking money, merchandise, or items without a proper transaction
- Sweethearting: Employees intentionally give away products to friends, family, or even themselves without properly ringing up the transaction, often disguised as legitimate sales or voids
- Fuel Theft: Customers filling up without paying, often through “drive-off” incidents
- Refund Fraud: Returning stolen or non-purchased items for cash or store credit
- Time Theft: Employees claiming hours they did not work, such as clocking in early or leaving late without permission
- Vendor Fraud: Suppliers overcharging or providing incorrect products
Organized Retail Crime (ORC): Groups of thieves targeting stores for large-scale theft
Common types of nontraditional retail loss
Convenience stores face a wide range of loss types beyond traditional theft, from food waste to administrative errors. By leveraging AI and retail analytics, operators can pinpoint and address these nontraditional sources of shrink, improving efficiency and protecting profitability.
- Wasted Freshly Prepared Food: Excessive waste from spoilage, overproduction, or mishandling can quickly add up
- Spoiled Perishable Goods: Dairy and other perishables may spoil from improper storage or inventory mismanagement
- Mismanagement of Fuel: Pricing errors or outdated signage can result in financial losses
- Failure to Return Product Recalls: Failing to remove recalled or unsellable items leads to lost sales
- Accidental Product Damage During Stocking: Items may be damaged during stocking, leading to unreported losses
- Coupon and Discount Abuse: Customers or employees abuse coupons or discounts
- Administrative Errors: Mistakes in pricing or record-keeping can lead to losses
- High Cash Transaction Risk: Stores with high cash transactions face a greater risk of theft
- Fraud from Suppliers: Suppliers may exploit markdowns or pricing discrepancies
Self-checkout theft is on the rise and here's how to stop it
Self-checkout is becoming more common in convenience stores as operators look to reduce labor costs and speed up service. But while customers may appreciate the convenience, self-checkout lanes open the door to new types of theft, especially when left unmonitored.
Common self-checkout theft in convenience stores
With self-checkout becoming more common in convenience stores, theft tactics are evolving. Offenders are getting smarter, and without the right oversight, small-scale fraud can quickly turn into significant shrink.
According to Pelco, here are a few of the most common methods:
- Skip scanning (or pass-around): Items are placed in the bagging area without being scanned, often by scanning one item while slipping in another
- The “banana trick”: Offenders scan expensive products using cheaper produce codes (e.g., ringing up a steak as bananas)
- Barcode swapping: High-priced items are relabeled with cheaper barcodes, especially when product shapes are similar
- Payment fraud: Stolen or fake cards are used to complete purchases, often with no employee present to verify the transaction
Recent research from Progressive Grocer reveals that self-checkout machines are a significant driver of shrink, with losses amounting to 3.5% of sales, more than 16 times higher than traditional cashier lanes. This analysis showed that 6.7% of self-checkout transactions had at least some amount of partial shrink compared to 0.32% with cashiers.
Smarter ways to prevent self-checkout theft in convenience stores
Reducing loss at self-checkout isn’t just about watching more screens—it’s about working smarter with technology that can flag suspicious activity before it turns into loss.
Here are four solutions convenience store operators should consider:
- Smarter cameras that do more than record: AI-powered surveillance can detect unusual behavior, like lingering too long at the kiosk or scanning one item while bagging another, and send real-time alerts to managers or security staff
- Video analytics to spot the red flags: When combined with surveillance, analytics software can monitor checkout zones and learn what normal behavior looks like, then automatically flag anything out of the ordinary
- POS integration for real-time verification: Connect security systems to POS data to instantly compare scanned barcodes with the actual product, helping detect tricks like barcode swapping and invalid transactions in the moment
- Set transaction limits: Limiting the number of items per self-checkout session makes it easier to monitor purchases and reduces the window for theft
- Design your store for visibility and deterrence: Place self-checkout kiosks in well-lit, high-traffic areas with clear sightlines for employees and cameras. A well-organized store layout, where items are easily seen and monitored, can discourage both self-checkout and cashier theft.
James Owens, vice president at HFA Architecture + Engineering, says, “Work with your designer to make sure users of your self-checkout stations feel that they are being carefully watched. If you’re considering using technology to raise a red alert when customers miss a scan, you should also weigh the downsides of this for both store employees (who will have to confront that customer) and the customers themselves. Some retailers have run into problems with these alerts offending and irritating the law-abiding shopper.” (CS News)
These layered strategies can make self-checkout smarter, more secure, and less vulnerable to theft, without adding extra burden on your staff.
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5 smart loss prevention strategies for convenience stores
When it comes to loss prevention, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Convenience stores need layered strategies that reduce loss and support operations and a positive customer experience. These five tactics work best when used together to help protect profits, and your people:
1. Optimize Store Layout for Visibility
The right store setup can deter theft before it happens.
- Eliminate blind spots with mirrors and strategic shelving
- Keep high-value items in clear view of staff
- Use lighting to create open, well-monitored spaces
- Maintain direct sight lines to registers and exits
C-stores that implement strategic store design can reduce loss by up to 20%. (NACS)
2. Smarter Technology and Video Surveillance
Today’s video security systems are doing more than recording, they’re delivering real-time insights.
- Use video surveillance with remote access and alerts
- Pair video with POS data to catch suspicious transactions
- Set up AI-powered alerts for unusual activity or after-hours movement
C-stores that pair their security cameras to their POS see a 22% drop in internal theft. (P Market Research)
3. Build a Culture of Awareness with Your Team
Your employees are your first line of defense.
- Train staff to recognize theft tactics, from shoplifters and coworkers
- Reinforce proper POS refund, discount, and void protocols
- Teach proactive customer engagement to deter theft
- Keep loss prevention top of mind with ongoing training
Internal employee theft accounts for nearly 30% of retail shrink, often due to a lack of training. (NRF)
4. Lock Down Cash Handling
Even small cash errors add up fast.
- Audit tills regularly and document discrepancies
- Use smart safes to track and manage deposits
- Keep register cash levels low during high-traffic hours
The average retailer loses over $500 per month due to poor cash controls. (Forbes)
5. Prioritize Customer-Focused Security
Security shouldn’t come at the expense of the shopping experience.
- Encourage staff to greet every customer, both a deterrent and a welcome
- Use unobtrusive security measures like signage and lighting
- Monitor self-checkout with active employee oversight
- Create a safe and welcoming environment while staying alert
Friendly, attentive service has been shown to reduce shoplifting attempts by up to 60%. (Loss Prevention Magazine)
To dive deeper into these tactics, download:
C-Store Loss Prevention Playbook
Packed with expert tips: camera placement, increasing profits, the top 5 exception reports every convenience store operator should be monitoring, and more.
Retail crime and violence prevention
Convenience store retail crime continues to be a growing concern for operators. According to the National Retail Federation, 88% of retailers reported an increase in violence and aggression in stores over the past year. Convenience stores, often operating with minimal staff and extended hours, are especially vulnerable to theft, armed robbery, and workplace violence.
How operators can stay ahead of convenience store crime and violence:
- Use AI-powered surveillance to detect and flag unusual behavior, like loitering, register tampering, or unauthorized access, in real-time
- Install camera-connected panic buttons to give employees a discreet, fast way to request help and improve emergency response times
- Capture high-quality video footage to support law enforcement investigations, resolve disputes, and deter offenders
- Real-time alerts and data integration help operators monitor multiple store locations simultaneously, allowing them to respond quickly to incidents no matter where they are
- Train employees on safety protocols: When staff are equipped with the knowledge to handle difficult situations, they are more likely to prevent escalation and respond appropriately to potential threats
With the average retail robbery resulting in more than $2,400 in losses, these proactive steps can make a real difference, both financially and in helping staff and customers feel safer. (Forbes)
AI-powered surveillance is changing the game
AI is everywhere right now. For convenience store operators, tools powered by AI open up smarter, faster ways to manage loss prevention, operations, safety, and security. By automating daily processes and delivering real-time insights, AI-powered tools are helping teams respond faster, act smarter, and prevent loss more effectively.
AI is everywhere right now. For convenience store operators, tools powered by AI open up smarter, faster ways to manage loss prevention, operations, safety, and security. By automating daily processes and delivering real-time insights, AI-powered tools are helping teams respond faster, act smarter, and prevent loss more effectively.
- Facial recognition technology, powered by AI, is being used in some c-stores stores to help deter shoplifting and identify repeat offenders by recognizing patterns and familiar faces
- AI-enabled license plate readers track vehicle activity and flag unusual patterns, such as extended stays or repeated visits, that may signal loitering or suspicious behavior in parking areas
- Real-time alerts and automated reporting driven by AI, shorten response times by identifying threats as they happen, helping managers stay proactive instead of reactive
- Smart alarms use camera-connected AI, like Envysion’s SmartAlarms, to trigger flashing lights and sirens when unusual motion is detected after-hours, while professional monitors assess threats and respond accordingly
- Panic buttons, discreetly installed and linked to your security cameras, allow employees to signal for help in emergencies, getting help, right away
- AI-driven fraud detection, like Envysion’s Fraud Detection AI, combines video and POS data to uncover suspicious transactions or patterns and help operators take informed action
As these AI technologies continue to evolve, they’re making it easier for businesses to scale their security efforts, without stretching their teams (and wallets) thin.
Customer experience is more data-driven than ever
Convenience stores are increasingly turning to data and managed video to elevate their customer experience. As consumer expectations rise, operators are leveraging new technologies to not only secure their stores but also enhance the overall shopping journey.
Omnichannel strategies
More convenience stores are embracing omnichannel strategies, integrating mobile apps, online ordering, and delivery services into their operations. As these platforms grow, so does the need for surveillance systems that can monitor and protect all touchpoints in the multichannel environment. With a connected system, operators can provide seamless customer experiences from online orders to in-store pick-ups.
- 7-Eleven incorporated mobile ordering and delivery services through their 7NOW app, allowing customers to order items and have them delivered to their location
- Circle K offers delivery options through partnerships with services like DoorDash, in addition to their mobile app for ordering ahead
- Casey’s General Store integrated delivery into their operations through online ordering and have tested home delivery for pizza and grocery items
Customer behavior insights
Video surveillance is becoming a valuable tool for understanding customer behavior in-store. Operators can track dwell times, identify popular store sections, and analyze queue management, all from the data captured through their surveillance systems. This data helps optimize store layouts, improve staffing, and enhance the overall shopping experience.
Surveillance as a customer experience tool
Surveillance has evolved beyond security. It’s now a key tool in improving the customer experience. By collecting data on how customers interact with the space, operators can fine-tune operations, make sure products are easily accessible, and even adjust store environments to match customer needs. For example, if the video data shows long lines at the checkout, operators can adjust staffing levels accordingly or rearrange the store layout to improve flow.
Third-Party Delivery and Vendor Oversight
As convenience stores expand into delivery and increase reliance on outside vendors, visibility into these third-party interactions has never been more important. Whether it’s confirming a delivery driver actually dropped off an order or verifying that a vendor followed proper procedures when restocking shelves, operators need a reliable way to hold accountability.
Surveillance footage, especially when integrated with timestamps and transaction data, can help resolve customer disputes, protect against fraudulent claims, and verify service completion. When a customer calls to report a missing or incorrect delivery, video evidence can confirm whether the order was fulfilled as expected, saving time and reducing chargebacks.
Vendor oversight is equally critical. Monitoring vendor activity helps store leaders:
- Verify inventory is being delivered and stocked properly
- Confirm the accuracy of invoices
- Prevent internal or third-party theft during restocking
- Hold vendors accountable to service standards
By leveraging surveillance to oversee these interactions, operators can maintain tighter control over store operations, protect inventory, and build more trustworthy partnerships with delivery services and vendors.
Security concerns around EV charging stations
As the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) increases, more convenience stores are adding charging stations to their parking lots. But with this expansion comes a new layer of security challenges.
EV charging areas are often located on the edges of the property, making them more vulnerable to vandalism, equipment tampering, and vehicle damage. Without visibility into these zones, incidents can easily go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Modern surveillance tools help operators:
- Monitor charging station usage and track unusual patterns
- Detect motion and activity around vehicles left unattended
- Investigate claims of property damage or theft using video-backed evidence
- Protect valuable equipment and reduce downtime caused by vandalism or misuse
That’s why it’s important to have dedicated security cameras focused on charging zones. With Motion Search, operators can quickly pinpoint activity in specific areas and timeframes—making it easier to identify suspicious behavior, review incidents, and share clips with law enforcement. Instead of sifting through hours of footage, Motion Search speeds up investigations and supports faster, smarter responses.
Cloud-based solutions are becoming the standard in c-stores
As technology evolves, more convenience store operators are turning to cloud-based video surveillance for its flexibility, scalability, and real-time visibility. According to Novaira Insights, more than 50% of all new professional video surveillance systems sold globally in 2023 were cloud-connected, a clear signal that the industry is moving away from traditional on-premise systems.
Cloud video surveillance offers centralized management for multi-location businesses, allowing operators to monitor activity across all stores from a single platform. Whether you’re reviewing an incident from your office or checking in from your phone after hours or on the go, cloud-based systems give you instant access to footage when and where you need it.
Why more operators are moving to the cloud:
- Centralized management – View and manage all store locations from a single platform
- Access from anywhere – Check live or recorded footage at home, on the road, or after hours
- Multi-location oversight – Easily manage and compare activity across all your locations
- Improved data security – Cloud systems often include encryption and automatic updates to help stay ahead of threats
- Better compliance – Support for privacy and security regulations is built in
- Scalable and future-ready – Easily add new locations or cameras without the complexity of traditional systems
- Smarter hardware integration – Use local NVRs or camera-based storage while gaining the flexibility and accessibility of the cloud
For today’s convenience store operators, adopting cloud-based video is no longer just a future consideration, it’s the new standard.
To learn more about cloud-based video security management, click here.
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Using professional auditors for loss prevention and operational monitoring in retail stores
Staying on top of trends in the retail space means being proactive, not reactive, when it comes to both security and operational efficiency. One of the best ways to stay ahead is through regular audits, whether conducted internally or by certified professionals. These audits help you stay informed, spot potential risks early, and fine-tune your operations before small issues become big problems. Certified auditors can act as an extension of your team, bringing expert oversight without the cost of adding another full-time employee. Loss prevention and operational audits give you the visibility you need to protect your bottom line and ensure your stores are running at their best.
The results speak for themselves. Here are just a few real-world examples of how audits have made a measurable impact:
- Convenience Store Chain: A major convenience store chain reduced shrinkage by 25% within six months through targeted loss prevention audits, saving thousands in potential losses (LP Magazine)
- Food Retailer: A major UK food retailer boosted compliance rates from 40-50% to over 90% in just four months with targeted audits, leading to reduced shrink and the nationwide expansion of their audit program (RGIS)
Loss prevention audits: protecting your bottom line
Employee theft, whether internal or external, can severely impact your profits. Loss Prevention Audits are designed to pinpoint these risks with precision. By combining video security with your POS transaction data, these audits help identify suspicious activities, such as theft or fraudulent transactions, so you can act quickly to stop further losses.
Certified loss prevention auditors, like those behind Envysion’s Loss Prevention Audits, specialize in monitoring convenience stores and retail environments. By combining video footage with POS transaction data, they pinpoint the most serious incidents of theft and deliver clear, actionable reports. This integrated approach provides a comprehensive view of your store’s security, empowering you to take swift action and protect both your profits and your people.
Operational audits: ensuring peak performance
Operational efficiency is essential for delivering a consistent and positive customer experience, and operational audits are a powerful tool to help convenience store operators maintain those high standards. By reviewing key areas like safety, cleanliness, customer interactions, and compliance, these audits provide valuable visibility into daily operations and highlight opportunities for improvement.
Whether it’s tracking employee interactions to improve service or identifying compliance gaps that could lead to costly fines, operational audits offer the insights needed to drive continuous improvement. Audits like Envysion’s Operations Audits help you maintain customer trust, reduce compliance-related risks, and keep operating costs low.
Top convenience store exception reports for smarter decision making
With cloud-based video surveillance providing real-time data access, operators are increasingly leaning on customized exception reports to make faster, smarter decisions. These reports, built on both video and transactional insights, uncover issues that might otherwise go unnoticed, empowering teams to act quickly and effectively. These reports aren’t just about catching bad behavior, they’re tools for improving operations, boosting compliance, and protecting profitability.
Lottery purchases made with a credit card
In many jurisdictions, using a credit card to purchase lottery tickets is against the law or store policy. Having an easy-to-read report that flags these transactions helps stores stay compliant and spot possible fraudulent activity at the register.
Age restricted item sales without ID verification
Maintaining compliance with age restrictions is crucial for avoiding legal risks. This exception report flags any alcohol, cigarette, or lottery ticket transactions where the buyer’s age has not been verified. Operators can view both the receipt and corresponding video footage side by side, making it easy to identify if employees are properly checking IDs for these age-restricted items and complying with local laws.
No sales between midnight and 6 am
Extended periods of inactivity, especially overnight, can point to potential red flags like employee disengagement, improper staffing, or even theft. A report that monitors these windows gives operators insight into adjusting shifts or investigating further.
15 or fewer transactions overnight
Low-volume periods are common, but consistently low numbers can signal operational inefficiencies or underperformance. An exception report that automatically tracks these patterns helps identify opportunities to reduce labor costs or optimize store hours.
Refunds over $20
Large or frequent refunds may signal potential abuse or fraud. Monitoring high-dollar refunds helps operators investigate issues early and prevent losses.
Monitoring safe drops
Proper cash handling is essential for minimizing loss and ensuring accountability. Reports that track safe drops help enforce procedures, detect missed deposits, and reduce risk.
Tracking bag fee compliance
In areas with bag fee regulations (like California or Colorado), tracking compliance isn’t just good practice, it’s legally required. Automated exception reports that track when bag fees are (or aren’t) added to transactions help operators quickly spot inconsistencies, ensure staff compliance, and reduce the risk of fines or penalties.
By combining transactional data with video insights, operators gain a fuller picture of what’s happening in their stores, beyond what a spreadsheet alone can show. Reports that connect video and transaction data help uncover issues that might otherwise go unnoticed, whether it’s a policy violation, a missed safe drop, or an overnight staffing gap. Tools like Envysion’s Exception Reports, Powered by Data Integration, give teams the clarity they need to act quickly and protect profitability.
Health and safety compliance remains a priority in c-stores
Health and safety remain essential to store success even as operational priorities shift. Today’s technology offers smarter ways to ensure your locations meet both internal standards and regulatory requirements.
- Environmental monitoring tools, like HALO Smart Sensors, help identify changes in air quality, detect vaping or smoke, loud noises (like shouting or gunshots), and alert operators to unusual conditions
- Video surveillance supports enforcement of hygiene protocols, employee handwashing, and cleanliness expectations, offering objective visibility into what’s really happening across your stores
- Audit services (conducted by certified professionals like Envysion’s Audit Programs) can help verify that teams are consistently following brand and health guidelines
When combined with video surveillance, these tools give operators a more complete view of store safety and security, helping them stay ahead of potential issues and make sure their locations maintain a clean, safe, and compliant environment.
Using video data for smarter convenience store business decisions
Convenience stores are turning to video analytics for security and to drive smarter business decisions. Surveillance systems offer actionable insights that can optimize staffing levels, improve store traffic flow, and streamline operations. For example, by analyzing foot traffic patterns through video, operators can identify peak hours and adjust staffing to meet demand, ensuring efficiency during busy times.
Optimizing convenience store operations
By analyzing foot traffic patterns through video, operators can identify peak hours and adjust staffing accordingly. This ensures teams are ready to handle busy periods and improves efficiency across the board.
Video data can also reveal operational inefficiencies, like long checkout lines or underutilized areas of the store, so operators can make layout changes or staffing shifts that directly improve performance.
Pairing video and POS transaction data
Integrating your security cameras with POS data brings another level of intelligence to business operations. With video footage linked to transaction data, operators can instantly verify transactions, identify discrepancies, and ensure POS accuracy.
This combination of video and POS data can help prevent fraud, reduce shrinkage, and improve inventory management. With a clearer view of front-end and back-end activity, operators can make more informed decisions and run smoother day-to-day operations.
Sustainability initiatives are on the rise
Sustainability is a growing focus for convenience store operators, not just for environmental impact, but also for cost savings and brand reputation. Many c-stores are taking steps to reduce waste, cut energy use, and improve operational efficiency. Surveillance technology is playing a growing role in supporting these goals.
Reducing food waste
Roughly 30% of food in U.S. grocery stores is thrown away, creating both environmental and financial strain. (RTS)
By using video surveillance, operators can audit their stores and identify causes of food waste, like over-prepping, improper storage, or leaving food out too long, and adjust workflows or retrain staff to reduce unnecessary losses.
Improving energy efficiency
Refrigeration makes up 47% to 55% of a convenience store’s total energy use. (Glacier Grid)
Surveillance systems can help monitor equipment usage and alert operators to malfunctions or energy inefficiencies. When paired with energy-efficient appliances, video monitoring supports smarter energy management and lowers operational costs.
Enhancing supply chain integrity
Video monitoring also ensures deliveries are handled correctly and that food is stored at safe temperatures. This level of visibility protects product quality, reduces spoilage, and helps stores stay compliant with health and safety standards.
Regulatory compliance is tightening
As regulations around age verification, food safety, and data security continue to grow, convenience store operators must stay on top of their compliance efforts. Meeting these regulatory standards is crucial not only for avoiding fines but also for maintaining the trust of customers and ensuring the store’s reputation remains intact. Video surveillance plays a key role in this process by providing clear, verifiable documentation to support compliance with these regulations.
For example, surveillance footage can make sure age verification procedures are followed properly at the point of sale, helping to comply with local laws and preventing the sale of restricted items to minors. Similarly, video can document compliance with food safety regulations, making sure that items are stored and handled safely.
With the rise of stringent data privacy requirements, cloud-based video solutions have become indispensable. These systems provide secure, encrypted storage of footage, helping convenience stores meet data security regulations such as GDPR or CCPA. By keeping footage in the cloud, stores can easily access footage for audits, inspections, or internal reviews, without worrying about the cost or complexity of maintaining on-site storage.
By using cloud-based systems, convenience stores can streamline their compliance processes, safeguard sensitive data, and maintain access to critical footage when needed, all while staying ahead of changing regulations.
The power of an end-to-end securiy solution
Managing a c-store requires a seamless approach to loss prevention, safety & security, and operations, and a patchwork of disconnected tools just won’t cut it. An end-to-end video and data solution makes sure that every aspect of your business is protected and optimized in one integrated system.
- Loss Prevention: AI-powered video surveillance, POS integration, and smart reporting help identify fraud, theft, and operational risks.
- Safety & Security: Real-time monitoring, HALO Smart Sensors, and panic button integrations provide proactive safety measures.
- Operations: Video audits, mobile access, and cloud storage allow operators to improve efficiency and maintain store standards across locations.
With a fully connected solution, c-store operators get better visibility, faster incident resolution, and actionable insights, all from one system that works together.
Conclusion: staying ahead with the right technology
Preventing loss in convenience stores requires more than just locking up high-theft items or installing a few cameras—it demands a smarter, more proactive approach. From monitoring self-checkout to detecting internal theft and operational errors, having the right tools and visibility can make a significant impact on your bottom line. With theft tactics evolving, staying ahead means understanding where losses happen and taking action before they add up.
Envysion’s managed video solutions, powered by Motorola Solutions, help convenience store operators strengthen loss prevention, streamline operations, and enhance safety and security—delivering the visibility needed to protect profits and peace of mind.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Current state of convenience stores in the US
- Where do losses happen in convenience stores?
- Best security camera placement for convenience stores
- The growing need for advanced loss prevention
- Self-checkout theft is on the rise and here’s how to stop it
- 5 smart loss prevention strategies for convenience stores
- Retail crime and violence prevention
- AI-powered surveillance is changing the game
- Customer experience is more data-driven than ever
- Surveillance as a customer experience tool
- Security concerns around EV charging stations
- Cloud-based solutions are becoming the standard in c-stores
- Using professional auditors for loss prevention and operational monitoring in retail stores
- Top convenience store exception reports for smarter decision making
- Health and safety compliance remains a priority in c-stores
- Using data for smarter convenience store business decisions
- Sustainability initiatives are on the rise
- Regulatory compliance is tightening
- The power of an end-to-end security solution
- Conclusion: staying ahead with the right technology