Retailers are facing a steep climb in inventory loss. According to the Council on Criminal Justice, shoplifting rates in the first half of 2024 surged 24% over the previous year. It is no surprise that over half of retailers now cite theft prevention as their primary operational challenge.
While economic pressures drive this trend, legacy security measures are no longer enough. To effectively prevent retail shrink, modern stores are turning to sophisticated sensor technology like Walkbase TREQ to transform raw floor data into actionable security intelligence.
Here are four ways Walkbase TREQ empowers retailers to measure shrink patterns and secure their bottom line:
1. Identify Suspicious Activity Through Behavioral Trends
To stop a loss before it happens, you must understand the intent behind customer movement. Walkbase TREQ uses in-store loss analytics to map out standard customer pathing and dwell times. By establishing a baseline of normal behavior, the system can immediately flag anomalies.
For instance, if a visitor bypasses common browsing areas to head straight for high-value cosmetics and then moves toward an exit without passing a register, the system triggers an alert. This use of retail shrink analytics allows floor leads to intervene in real time.
2. Optimize the Checkout Experience
The checkout line is a frequent site for both accidental and intentional loss. By deploying sensor technology near point of sale (POS) areas, retailers gain visibility into:
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Cart Abandonment: Tracking bounce rates where customers leave full carts behind.
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Push-outs: Identifying when baskets or carts exit the store without a completed transaction.
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Queue Frustration: Monitoring wait times that might tempt shoppers to bypass payment.
3. Protect High-Value Assets with Precision
Standard tags tell you if an item left, but Bluetooth asset tags tell you exactly where it is. Walkbase TREQ allows you to tag everything from premium electronics and pallets to shopping carts and store equipment.
If a customer lingers in the headphone aisle for an unusual amount of time, the system detects this abnormal dwell time and alerts staff to offer proactive customer service. This is a proven way to deter potential theft. This continuous tracking ensures that if an asset moves unexpectedly, your team is the first to know.
4. Leverage Real-Time In-Store Loss Analytics
The most effective way to prevent retail shrink is to move from a reactive stance to a proactive one. Walkbase TREQ provides a live dashboard that helps management:
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Deploy Staff Strategically: Use data to place employees in high-risk zones during peak theft hours.
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Visualize Patterns: Identify long-term shrink patterns to determine where extra cameras or physical locks are actually needed.
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Immediate Response: Receive instant mobile alerts the moment a security threshold is crossed.
By integrating retail shrink analytics into daily operations, retailers do not just protect their inventory. They create a safer and more efficient environment for legitimate customers.
Get started Walkbase team today to discover how our intelligent sensor technology can secure your store and streamline your operations.
