Protect Your Business: The Benefits of a Security System for Retailers

Security systems can be an invaluable investment for retailers, helping their employees and premises stay safer and more secure. By choosing a provider that follows NFPA 731,your retail security system will meet the highest standards.

Learn how a modern retail security system can help your business:

Deterring Shoplifting 

Theft has a big impact on your store’s bottom line, and the problem is only getting worse. Retail theft losses continue to rise, with the National Retail Federation's 2024 report showing a 93% increase in the average number of shoplifting incidents from 2019 to 2023, and a 90% rise in associated dollar losses. The impact on your business could mean the difference between profitability, stability and financial distress. 

Not only are shoplifters stealing more, they’re also becoming more organized and violent. If word gets out that your store is an easy mark that lacks a security system, your business could be targeted repeatedly. An advanced security system, equipped with cameras, can serve as a deterrent for shoplifters and help keep your employees safe.

Curbing Employee Theft

While most staff are trustworthy, internal theft remains a retail industry challenge. Unfiltered access to cash registers and stockrooms gives them a prime opportunity to steal, but if they know they’re being monitored by a retail security system, they’ll be less likely to steal cash or merchandise. And if they do steal, the crime will be recorded on camera.

For property owners overseeing multiple retail spaces, a unified security approach makes it easier to establish consistent monitoring practices across all tenant locations.

Increasing Employee Security

Retail security systems—with alarms, sensors, and cameras that detect intruders—can deter violence against employees. Your employees can have access to a panic button that immediately alerts the police or other emergency personnel. If violence does occur, cameras can provide valuable evidence to the police. 

The best systems also allow for coordinated emergency responses across an entire property, ensuring all retail tenants receive prompt assistance during security incidents.

Managing Complex Access with Multi-Tenant Solutions

Retail businesses often share buildings with other tenants or have multiple locations. Cloud-based security systems make controlling who enters your space much easier. 

These systems can handle different access schedules for various staff members across all your locations. You can also easily set up temporary access for maintenance workers and delivery personnel without compromising security. If an employee leaves your company, you can instantly remove their access, protecting your business from potential security risks.

Monitoring After-Hours Activity

Cleaning crews, vendors, and other service providers often need access to your retail space outside normal business hours. Advanced security systems can automatically track when these individuals enter and exit your premises, providing you with detailed reports. This ensures your space is only being accessed by authorized personnel at appropriate times.

Increasing Security Around the Clock

A security system can deter break-ins and vandalism, which can happen at any hour of the day. When these events do occur, alerts allow for a real-time response. With systems connected to an access control platform, you'll receive instant notifications on your smartphone or computer whenever unusual activity is detected. 

Fires, weather damage, and other disasters can also happen during the off-hours, and the sooner the problem is detected and help is dispatched, the better.

Unifying Security Across Your Property

For retail property owners, coordinating security across both common areas and individual stores can be challenging. An access control platform allows for seamless monitoring of your entire property from a single system. This means:

• Faster response times during emergencies
• Better coordination between security personnel
• Seamless connection with parking management systems
• Comprehensive coverage that protects every aspect of your property

Receiving Smart Alerts for Unusual Activity

Modern security systems can send automatic alerts when they detect unauthorized access attempts, especially in vacant retail spaces where break-ins might otherwise go unnoticed. Property owners can set up custom alerts based on specific needs, ensuring quick responses to potential security threats before they escalate.

Providing Precise Data About Shopping Patterns

A security system that provides surveillance allows you to collect valuable information about shoppers’ habits:

• If your parking lot and store are consistently busy at certain points in the day, you could add more staffing during those times. 
• If shoppers walk past a new display, you could decide to try a new promotion or expand your existing one. 

Gaining Valuable Traffic Insights

Security monitoring systems can also offer powerful analytics to help optimize your retail operations. 

For example you can track foot traffic patterns throughout your property, identify peak usage times for common areas, and understand when after-hours access is most needed. This data helps property owners make informed decisions about staffing, maintenance schedules, and energy management. Some advanced systems even offer occupancy tracking features that can help reduce energy costs by automatically adjusting heating and cooling based on how many people are in different areas.

Improving Customer Service

A quality security system does more than just protect—it can actually enhance the shopping experience. 

Your employees are more likely to deliver exemplary customer service if they know their actions are being recorded. In addition, a chime or other noise that alerts them when customers come into the store can help ensure your shoppers get help in a timely manner.

Offering Protection From Frivolous Lawsuits or Accusations

Your retail security system should provide video surveillance of all parts of your store to protect you and your business from frivolous lawsuits or accusations. A customer, for example, might falsely claim that they hurt themselves by falling on a slippery floor. Or a customer might lie and say that one of your employees pushed or otherwise assaulted them. In both cases, security footage can put the matter to rest. High-definition cameras with excellent storage capabilities ensure you'll have clear evidence when you need it most.

Our experienced team at Brothers Fire & Security can help property owners address fire marshal concerns and ensure all tenants remain compliant with security regulations.