Retail managers go back to school

This article is brought to you by Retail Technology Review: Retail managers go back to school.

Shrinkage is a major cause for concern throughout the retail industry, with shoplifting and internal theft being two of the main contributors. However, the matter is not always dealt with as part of the day-to-day running of the store.

Although store managers and staff are more than aware of shoplifting, they may not realise the role that they can play in helping to prevent it. Often the attitude is that it is someone elses responsibility. While most companies have great sales staff, employees usually see their role as just that sales and customer service - and they are unaware of what that they can do to reduce shrinkage. One of the best ways to help combat the issue is to educate staff at store-level. Employees need to understand the impact theft has on the business as a whole, and how deterring thieves is essential in ensuring that sales efforts are not undermined by stock disappearance.

Loss prevention specialist The ORIS Group and shrink management solutions provider Checkpoint Systems have teamed up to create shrinkschool, a two-day interactive and engaging educational programme, designed to equip store managers with the expertise needed to tackle shrinkage at their local store.

The course helps managers to think about the real impact that shoplifting has and educate them to take a realistic view on internal theft. It focuses on the culture and awareness of shrinkage, identification of the causes and end solutions. It also offers practical advice, using role-play and exercises, and attendees leave with a strategic shrinkage plan for their own store.

In order to tackle shrinkage, staff at all levels need to be aware of the issues and fully committed to addressing them, commented Neil Matthews, Vice President, NCE Region, Checkpoint Systems UK. Shrinkschool provides store managers with the groundwork they need, so that they can go back to their own outlets and implement effective cultural changes that work for them.  Shrinkage is not an issue that can be solved overnight. The internal culture of companies, from shop floor to top-level management, needs to change so that everyone is working together to deal with the issue.

 Retailers can choose the location at which to utilise shrinkschool in the training of their staff.