Shrinkage: a major challenge for the retail industry 🛒

Shrinkage represents the difference between the theoretical stock recorded in computer systems and the physical stock actually present on shelves. This performance indicator is crucial, as it directly impacts stores' profit margins. While several factors can contribute to it, administrative errors, breakage, logistical losses, etc., shoplifting remains the primary cause, constituting a considerable and persistent financial loss for the entire retail sector. According to the report The Impact of Retail Theft & Violence 2025 , published by the NRF in collaboration with the Loss Prevention Research Council , in-store theft incidents increased by 18% in 2024 compared to the previous year.

To effectively combat this scourge, the first fundamental step is to precisely identify the most frequently targeted products. This in-depth knowledge not only allows for the implementation of targeted prevention strategies to reduce losses, but also helps optimize overall store operations. By understanding these "hot spots," it becomes possible to improve inventory management and deploy security personnel more wisely and effectively.

Pharmacy and hygiene products: small, expensive, and easy to conceal 💄

Among the most coveted items, three categories stand out for their high added value and small size, which greatly facilitates concealment. Hygiene and pharmacy aisles are thus particularly sensitive areas, as confirmed by the work of the ECR Retail Loss group , which studies the causes of shrinkage worldwide.

  • Cosmetics 💅

    Lipsticks, mascaras, and foundations are prime targets due to their compact size and high resale value .

  • Razor blades 🪒

    Major brand refill cartridges, in particular, represent a significant cost for consumers and are in high demand, making them a recurring target for thieves.

  • Batteries 🔋

    Universal, essential, and relatively expensive, they are very easy to pocket without raising suspicion.

The main challenge for these aisles lies in the difficulty of monitoring quick, discreet gestures, often carried out in very busy aisles where staff attention is diluted.

Focus on fresh food aisles: meat and cheese top the list 🥩

While bulkier, certain fresh food products are also highly vulnerable to theft due to their high price . Two product families stand out in particular:

  • Meat 🍖

    Premium cuts of beef, such as fillet, ribeye, or sirloin, are among the most stolen items. Their market value makes them a prime target.

  • Cheese 🧀

    Specialty cheeses or pre-cut portions from large wheels also represent high value and are regularly stolen.

Theft techniques here are specific. "Ticket switching," which involves replacing the price tag of an expensive product with that of a cheaper item, is a common practice. The impact is twofold for the store: the direct financial loss of the product and the increased complexity of managing perishable goods inventory.

Alcohol and baby products: prime targets with diverse motivations 🍼

Two other high-risk product categories illustrate the diversity of motivations behind shoplifting.

  • Alcohol and spirits 🍾

    Bottles of whisky, vodka, or champagne are high-value items, often stolen for resale on parallel markets or for personal consumption. Their popularity makes them a constant target.

  • Baby formula 🍼

    Due to its high cost and essential nature, this item is unfortunately a frequent target, whether out of necessity or to supply a resale network.

Even when these products are equipped with traditional anti-theft devices, these are not foolproof. Complementary human and technological surveillance remains essential to effectively protect these sensitive aisles.

How AI is transforming the fight against theft in real time 🤖

Faced with increasingly sophisticated theft tactics, smart video surveillance is emerging as a proactive and remarkably effective solution . Instead of simply recording footage for after-the-fact reports, modern systems analyze live video feeds. Innovative solutions like Oxania leverage artificial intelligence to go even further: they are capable of automatically detecting suspicious behavior , such as concealing a product in a bag, tearing packaging, or spending an unusually long time in an aisle. Thanks to high-resolution video analysis via dedicated GPUs, every detail is captured, including quick movements that low-resolution systems would be unable to identify.

The operational advantage is immense and transforms security into a preventive approach.

  • ✅ Receive real-time alerts directly on a mobile device, with a latency of about 7 seconds, the alert is sent automatically by the AI, without waiting for an operator to notice the event on a screen.
  • ✅ Enable preventive action , such as approaching the suspected customer to offer assistance, a friendly gesture that is often enough to deter theft.
  • ✅ Shift from reactive security (noticing the loss after the fact) to a proactive strategy that protects margins and improves the environment for honest customers.