THEFT has changed the retail industry, said a major cosmetics CEO as stores are forced to lock up all items. Organized retail crime has run rampant in stores across the country with stores making major decisions on how to stop crime.
It isn’t uncommon to see entire aisles of stores filled with products locked behind anti-theft glass, earning the ire of shoppers.
Christie Fleischer, the CEO of Benefit Cosmetics, spoke with David Johnston, Vice President of Asset Protection and Retail Operations at the National Retail Federation at a panel for the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas.
The March 8 panel discussed retail crime and how businesses can prepare themselves and their employees for those types of incidents. The idea of a rise in crime has caused issues throughout the retail industry, the duo said.
READ MORE STORE CLOSURES
“Whether it’s a real or perceived threat to them…” said Fleischer. “It’s changed every job in retail.” Employers have had issues finding and retaining workers, said Johnston, adding that the idea of being in danger while working a retail job makes it hard. During the panel, Johnston claimed that a survey found 45% of retailers reducing hours while 28% have closed stores due to shoplifting. “It’s not quantifiable,” he said, referring to the perceptions of crime.
Most read in The US Sun
“It would be based on the retailer’s perception and whatever factors they take into consideration to determine whether to close the store or change hours.”
To combat theft, the panel stated that retailers are currently in what’s called “the reactionary stage.”
“Technology will play a big role in helping us out,” said Johnston. He added that cooperation between retailers, police, and prosecutors was also important. Meanwhile, customers should also question the source of their items when shopping online or through street markets. “As consumers… we have a role in preventing this retail crime from taking place,” said Johnston. The panelists also stressed the need for employee safety and better training in the event of criminal situations.
Fleischer said that retailers are now “considering the entire theft cycle,” which includes training employees and reporting incidents to changing how inventory is managed. “Even though the data’s not there, what we’re seeing out there is definitely concerning,” said Johnston.
https://www.the-sun.com/news/10695516/benefit-cosmetics-ceo-anti-theft-measures/