Retail Case Studies

Electronic Article Surveillance (Tagging)
Security Personnel
Security Systems
Market research on tagging

Electronic Article Surveillance (Tagging)

Tim Edwards, Group Loss Control Director at the John David Group that owns the JD Sports chain.

"The John David Group has used SectorGuard Retail Tagging as its main supplier of systems and tags since 2002. The Tagging systems that are installed have proven to be both reliable and cost effective. Should an engineer be required the team has shown itself to be efficient and capable when resolving issues that arise.

Flexibility is a key strength of Retail Tagging. Whenever we have had specific problems and have required special tagging solutions to resolve them Retail Tagging have always delivered.

I believe this working partnership has been one of the fundamental reasons for the excellent shrinkage performance that The John David Group currently enjoys"

For more information or to arrange a confidential discussion, contact our Sales Team on 01992 701985 or e-mail s.burge@sectorguard.plc.uk.

Security Personnel

Good relationships with our clients are what make our business grow. The following story shows how one such relationship with a major national retailer has developed.

The first task they gave us was to provide 24-hour cover during a programme of store refits. This was a significant undertaking – they had 200 stores across the country, ranging in size from 15,000 to 25,000 square feet, and we had to provide officers for the full duration of each refit – typically between six and eight weeks.

As a result, we were subsequently awarded their most high-profile security assignment – welcoming their shareholders, customers and employees at their Head Office reception and three distribution centres.

At these we provide 24-hour manned security to three distribution centres, where our people deal with drivers, carry out security checks on cars and lorries and log all the vehicles and trailers that move in and out of the site. The team of officers who transferred under TUPE to SectorGuard have responded positively to the regular contact and support they’ve received from our management and supervision team. They feel more recognised, appreciated and motivated and this has produced a marked uplift in the standard of service our client has received.

Historically, the relationship between their in-house security team and the previous contractor’s on and off site teams had been poor, but our proactive management of officers coupled with regular, effective client liaison improved matters considerably. We have recently been awarded contracts to provide security at three further distribution centres.

For more information on SectorGuard’s involvement in the retail sector, contact our Sales Team on 01992 701950 or e-mail sales-sp@sectorguard.plc.uk.

Security Systems

A testimonial from Jeremy Munro, Ede & Ravenscroft, City of London.

"We like the consistency of engineers. We know them and have built up a rapport with them. The service from SectorGuard is attentive whenever we need to speak to someone. Nothing is too much trouble. We're both in service industries, so we know what to expect.

At the end of the day, you want to work with people you can trust and products you can rely on. SectorGuard are very responsive and offer us a personal service."

News Item

Market Research findings on what you should look for when it comes to choosing an Asset Tagging Company…

What should you look for when it comes to choosing an Asset Tagging Company?

Research recently carried out with retail security managers on behalf of Retail Tagging Ltd. has revealed some interesting issues that they have to deal with when it comes to Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) suppliers.

The Main Benefits of Using Asset Tagging

When asked about their reasons for using Asset Tagging, it was clear that for the larger chains it was not seen as a tool to be used in isolation. It is clearly seen as part of an overall package of measures to reduce shrinkage. Other measures include CCTV, Alarms, and in-store security personnel.

The real advantage of asset tagging is as a visible deterrent to deter the occasional or spontaneous shoplifter. The determined thief will always be there and tagging alone is often not enough to stop these people. The consensus though is that it slows down the ‘professionals’ and reduces limits the number that develop this level of sophistication.

Tagging generally has a positive effect for staff in the shops. This is because they feel they have an ‘extra’ member of staff keeping an eye on their shoppers.

What do they expect from providers of asset tagging systems?

There are of course the obvious requirements around competitive pricing, good quality equipment and fast responses to requests for support. On top of that are issues around accurate invoicing and knowledgeable, reliable engineers.

Interestingly, one complaint was that they have been sent engineers who are responsible for too many systems and who therefore don’t know what they are doing. It is not very reassuring when an engineer has to get the 'manual' out and read through it!

What was more interesting was the strength of feeling over many of the 'softer' issues which are clearly far more important to security managers.

Having direct access to one person who can arrange maintenance, repairs and installations and who can also sort out issues when they arise, was a major requirement all too often ignored by suppliers.

For a busy loss control manager, the quality of the contact person, their level o 'friendliness' and their knowledge of their client’s business can make a big difference. If there are issues, they want them to be resolved quickly, without a fuss and political wrangling.

Suppliers should expect to go beyond the norm and offer additional proposals where they feel they are in the best interest of the client. They are also expected to provide additional advice about security issues, and especially new technology.

One of the critical issues that emerged relates to new store openings. Timescales and requirements often change in the run up to the opening. It is suppliers' ability and willingness to cope with these issues that can make or break the relationship. The best suppliers are said to be those who liaise closely with shop fitting teams so that the Manager has as little to do as possible. Not all suppliers are as flexible as they could be, and this can create additional problems in itself.

If there is one thing that Security Managers want more than anything it is reliability. This, quite simply, means suppliers just doing what they have promised to do, every time.

Commenting on the research, Sean Welch, Managing Director of asset tagging specialist Asset Protection, said "It was comforting to see how many of the things we do well were important to our prospective clients. We have worked hard to ensure that all our clients receive a level of service which far exceeds the norm in the sector."

This sentiment was echoed by one of their clients Tim Edwards, Group Loss Control Director at the John David Group that owns the JD Sports chain.

"The John David Group has used Retail Tagging as its main supplier of systems and tags for over three years. The Tagging systems that are installed have proven to be both reliable and cost effective. Should an engineer be required the team has shown itself to be efficient and capable when resolving issues that arise.

Flexibility is a key strength of Retail Tagging. Whenever we have had specific problems and have required special tagging solutions to resolve them Retail Tagging have always delivered.

I believe this working partnership has been one of the fundamental reasons for the excellent shrinkage performance that The John David Group currently enjoys."

For more information contact our Sales Team on 01992 701985 or e-mail sales-ap@sectorguard.plc.uk.