Back-to-School Package Security: Protecting Retail During the Busy Season

Blog

Date: Aug 09 2024

Read Time: 6 minutes

As summer winds down and the back-to-school season ramps up, retail stores are bracing for a flurry of shoppers. While this time of year is fantastic for boosting sales, it also comes with an uptick in shoplifting. With students and parents flocking to stores for supplies, clothes, and electronics, it’s vital for retailers to stay ahead with smart package protection and security measures.

In this blog, we’ll dive into back-to-school shopping trends, explore why packaged goods are popular targets for theft, and share cutting-edge solutions to help you reduce theft effectively.

Back-to-School Shopping Statistics

Back-to-school shopping is a major event for everyone from elementary kids to college students. Amazon’s Prime Day often kicks off the season, but 86% of shoppers are still on the lookout for more deals and finalizing their supply lists. Here’s a glimpse at some interesting insight for this busy time of year:

Families spent just under $900 on back-to-school shopping in 2023.

Nearly 75% of people plan to hit the stores, while 56% will shop online.

Retailers seeing a boost include department stores, discount stores, clothing shops, electronics stores, and office supply stores.

College students have a bigger budget, averaging $1,648 compared to K-12 students at just $668 per child.

College essentials like laptops, dorm furniture, and clothing are top picks for students.

These stats highlight just how big the back-to-school season is. Retailers offering everything from tech gadgets to dorm supplies are well-positioned to make the most of this busy time.

Why Back-to-School Season Sees a Spike in Retail Theft

The back-to-school season brings excitement for students and parents, but it also leads to a rise in shoplifting. The combination of increased foot traffic, high-value items, and sometimes reduced staff coverage creates the perfect storm for theft. Here’s why packaged goods become prime targets during this busy time:

High Demand and Value: Back-to-school shopping includes many high-ticket items like electronics, and clothing. These items are in high demand and carry a hefty price tag, making them tempting targets for thieves looking for a quick profit.

Small and Easy to Conceal: Many back-to-school items, such as electronics and small accessories, are compact and easy to hide. Their size makes them less noticeable, which is attractive to shoplifters who want to avoid detection.

Busy Shopping Periods: The rush of shoppers creates crowded conditions in stores, making it easier for shoplifters to blend in and carry out their plans, especially in busy aisles where staff might be stretched thin.

Seasonal Trends: Trendy items like popular backpacks, brand-name clothing, and the latest tech gadgets are especially appealing. These products not only draw attention but also have strong resale value, making them even more attractive to thieves.

Less Staff Coverage: During peak shopping periods, retailers often reduce staffing levels. With fewer employees around, there are fewer eyes to spot suspicious behavior, increasing the likelihood of theft going unnoticed.

Packaging Convenience: Packaged items are often easier for thieves to grab and go. If the packaging is small or easy to manipulate, it can make it simpler to hide items in a bag or under clothing.

Temporary Displays: Special displays or endcaps for back-to-school merchandise may be less secure than regular shelving. These temporary setups might not have the same level of surveillance, making them more vulnerable to theft.

Understanding these factors can help retailers implement effective security measures to safeguard their merchandise during the back-to-school season.

Smart Tips for Back-to-School Package Protection

With the back-to-school rush in full swing, keeping your store secure is key. Here are some practical tips to protect your packaged products:

1. Boost Employee Training
Equip your team with training on spotting suspicious behavior and managing the busy season. Make sure they’re comfortable using any security tech you have.

2. Use the Right Security Devices
Picking the right security devices can make a big difference. Check out these options from InVue:

Package Wrap: This spider wrap is tough to defeat and can be used on display shelves or in back stock rooms to secure items like boxed laptops and tablets. It fits tightly around merchandise and sounds an alarm if tampered with. Plus, it integrates with InVue’s single-key access control, so you can set permissions for access.

Safers: These polycarbonate boxes hang on peg hooks and are perfect for protecting gadgets and accessories. For extra security on hanging items, pair Safers with InVue’s StopLok.

Cable Lock: Ideal for small, valuable items like gadgets and accessories. These locks sound an alarm if someone tries to tamper with them.

Cable Lock Anchor: Great for larger items like backpacks and sports gear. The double-sided lock with a coiled cable keeps products firmly attached to fixtures.

Smart Locks: Best for high-end items and pricey electronics. These locks can be accessed via mobile devices or QR codes, offering high-tech protection without complicating things for your staff and customers.

3. Leverage Technology for Extra Eyes
Set up surveillance cameras and mirrors to keep an eye on busy spots and fill any blind spots. InVue’s display security solutions let you monitor and manage your valuable items in real-time.

4. Create a Friendly Atmosphere
A warm welcome can go a long way! Greet customers as they enter and offer assistance. It not only enhances the shopping experience but also makes shoplifters feel watched.

5. Stay on Top of Inventory
Keep your inventory updated and track merchandise closely. Mobile POS systems can streamline inventory checks and ensure employees are actively on the sales floor.

6. Promote Reusable Baskets
Offering reusable shopping baskets is a win-win. It helps reduce theft and supports sustainability. Shoppers using store baskets are less likely to hide items, plus it’s good for the environment.

With these smart strategies, you’ll be ready to tackle the back-to-school season like a pro. Combining effective training, clever tech, and excellent customer service will help keep your store secure and ensure a smooth shopping experience for everyone.

Secure Your Store with InVue

As you gear up for the back-to-school rush, InVue’s package protection solutions have you covered. From Cable Locks to Smart Locks, our products are designed to keep your merchandise safe and your store secure.

Implement these strategies and create a secure, enjoyable shopping environment for your customers. Get ready to face the back-to-school season with confidence and all the right tools!