The Challenge of Shrinkage for Retail Chains 🛒
Shrinkage, which includes shoplifting, administrative errors, and supplier fraud, represents a significant loss of revenue for retail chains. Whether it's supermarkets, pharmacies, or hardware stores, this phenomenon directly impacts profitability.
For multi-site retailers, this challenge is amplified. Managing security consistently across tens, or even hundreds, of stores is a real operational headache. The lack of centralised visibility makes it difficult to identify trends, compare performance between stores, and implement effective and uniform prevention strategies.
Faced with this major issue, traditional security approaches are showing their limits, paving the way for innovative technological solutions to finally streamline the fight against loss .
AI in the service of prevention: real-time detection of suspicious gestures 🤖
Unlike traditional video surveillance, which is mainly used to investigate after a theft, intelligent video surveillance is a game-changer, adopting a proactive approach . Innovative solutions like Oxania no longer just record: they analyse video streams in real time to identify specific behaviours and gestures considered suspicious, often associated with shoplifting.
- ➡️ Concealing a product in a backpack, handbag, or under clothing.
- ➡️ Suspicious behaviour or tampering with packaging in sensitive areas.
- ➡️ Consuming products directly in the aisle.
When such a gesture is detected, the system sends a near-instant alert to security staff or the store manager. This immediate intervention capability makes it possible to de-escalate a situation before a theft is even committed, transforming security from a reactive function into a powerful prevention tool .
Standardisation and Efficiency: The Advantages for a Store Network 📈
Deploying a unified AI detection solution offers crucial advantages for managing a network. The first is the standardisation of security protocols . Each store benefits from the same level of technological protection and can apply consistent and professional response procedures across the entire chain.
Furthermore, management benefits from centralised visibility via a dashboard. They can track key performance indicators (number of alerts, most affected areas, incident types) for all sites, identify the most vulnerable stores, and make informed strategic decisions . This gain in efficiency frees up in-store staff. Instead of passively watching screens, teams can focus on customer service, only being called upon when a potential threat is actually detected, thus optimising their time and their positive impact on sales .
Beyond Security: Improving Customer Experience and Operations ✨
An intelligent detection solution isn't just about reducing loss; it contributes positively to the overall store environment. By proactively preventing incidents, it creates a safer and more secure environment for customers and employees alike.
Interventions become more subtle and effective. Rather than a confrontation at the exit, an early alert allows an employee to approach the person and simply offer assistance. This customer service-oriented approach often de-escalates the situation without any conflict. The collected data is also a gold mine for optimising operations. It can reveal flaws in the store layout, making it possible to adjust the positioning of high-risk products to make them less vulnerable, without harming the shopping experience.
A Strategic Investment for Secure Growth 🚀
Implementing an AI-powered suspicious gesture detection system should be seen not as a mere expense, but as a strategic investment in profitability and the long-term viability of the brand. The return on investment (ROI) is tangible and fast. It is first measured by the direct reduction in shrinkage , which positively and immediately impacts the net margin of each store.
Added to this are significant indirect gains: improved team productivity , a decrease in confrontational situations, and the collection of valuable data to refine marketing and operational strategy. Such technology is scalable and supports the chain's growth, deploying easily in new stores. By securing its assets and optimising its processes, a retailer gains a sustainable competitive advantage for a resilient future.
