If you own or manage a retail store, you know there are several areas of activity in the front and back of the store at any given time. It can feel impossible to monitor each interaction in one location, not to mention the challenge of operating multiple locations simultaneously. To get the most visibility of all that is happening, here are the six best locations to place video surveillance in retail stores. They will be key in helping you to monitor the most common areas for theft, security issues, or incidents that may result in insurance, legal, or HR claims.
Why Use Video Surveillance in Retail Stores?
Some retail store owners may not see the value of video surveillance and neglect to install cameras. But this could not be farther from the truth.
“For the average retailer, losses due to shoplifting average 1.7% of all gross sales. Shoplifting accounts for about 33% of all total inventory shrinkage. Interestingly, 33.1% of total inventory shrinkage is employee theft, which is not classified as shoplifting.” (Blue Water Credit)
Types of Risk Retail Store Owners Must Monitor
Customer safety, employee safety, theft, and security are the four essential risk categories retail stores must monitor. Of these, safety and security are paramount. Video surveillance gives you a visual record of any potential safety and security hazards before they become a liability. Video surveillance can also help identify and stop instances of employee theft, operational inefficiency, or inappropriate customer interactions.
According to a case study by Backstreet Surveillance, security solutions are an investment that pays. “Video surveillance in retail applications is not an expense. Just the opposite: it’s profitable. If a store is experiencing a 4% inventory shrinkage and by installing cameras the theft is reduced to 2% or less, a convenience store selling $2,000,000 annually would save $40,000 a year. Most retail video surveillance systems actually pay for themselves in just a few months.”
Installing video surveillance cameras in these locations will give you the most effective visibility into the daily activities at your store and will result in a more effective and profitable business:
1. The Safe
Any surveillance blind spots in which individuals may be handling cash opens you up to risk so the safe is worthy of a dedicated security camera to monitor employee interactions and potential security risks. Video surveillance at this site will give you the tools to investigate potential fraud or theft.
Type of Risk: Theft, Fraud
2. The Office
Often this is one of the greatest blind spots (from a video surveillance perspective) in any retail store, so it is a prime location for assaults and other misconduct. Without evidence of wrongdoing, you open yourself up to legal risk and lack the evidence to address misbehavior when it occurs.
Type of Risk: Theft, Fraud, Employee Safety, Security
3. Bathrooms
While bathrooms are a high-risk area for slips and falls due to the preponderance of water, retail store owners and operators typically shy away putting cameras in bathrooms, entrances, and exits. Consider putting video surveillance cameras in bathroom hallways as this is the second greatest location for most slips and falls.
Type of Risk: Customer Safety, Employee Safety
4. Displays and Stock Room
Another potential location for theft (employee or customer) is the item displays and back stock areas. Products and accessories are expensive to stock but are the heart of any retail business. Customers want to see and try out the items they will be purchasing. Installing video surveillance here will help rectify any concerns of employee theft as well as customer theft or damage.
Type of Risk: Theft, Fraud
5. Back Door
The back door is the number one entry for retail store robberies, kidnappings, and murders. This is an extremely important location for a dedicated surveillance camera. Monitor to ensure that the back door is not kept open or obstructed. Install a motion-activated security camera on the outside of the door to monitor who enters and exits. This is also an important surveillance location to monitor the theft of goods.
Type of Risk: Employee Safety, Security
6. Point of Sale Line
Monitor where your employees are interacting with your customers. This surveillance footage will help you identify, dispute, or confirm customer complaints and false insurance claims. Position your retail store surveillance cameras to capture the exchange of funds, dialogue, and goods between employees and customers.
Type of risk: Customer Safety, Employee Safety, Theft, Fraud
In conclusion, prioritizing video surveillance in these crucial areas of your retail store is a proactive step toward minimizing risks and maximizing profitability. With insights into potential safety hazards, employee misconduct, and theft, surveillance not only safeguards against losses but also contributes to a more secure and efficient business. By strategically placing cameras in key locations, you gain effective visibility into daily activities, fostering a safer, more profitable retail environment.
Ready to stop theft and loss in your retail store? Talk to one of our experts today.