Anti-Theft with Style

12 January, 2008

A man with handsome stature and broad shoulders comes to my register. Commenting with his wife while putting his expensive merchandise down on the table, the security beeper then squealed in return.

"This is embarassing," remarks our finely statured man, commenting about how electromagnetism, a way to prevent theft in retail, would otherwise create fools out of stores like my employer.

Some people believe that anti-theft should be a little less er... shocking. It doesn't prevent thefts well as almost everyone receives a heavy squealing, thief or not, and that there are alternative and creative ways to prevent the act.

The man, with such pomp and demure, then gave a dissatisfying glare at me and walked out in style as if I was unnatural, or uncool.

Suddenly, the electromagnetic detector at the door squealed as he walked past.

"Au contraire."

Retail Life is a column for those wanting a different view within a "customer centric" retail environment. The identity of this column's writer has been obscured to maintain a healthy relationship with his employer.