Protect the Dollar Store Items if your Own a Dollar Store

The sad fact is in today’s world there are those who steal, even the dollar store items offered in dollar, discount stores.  If you own a dollar store your challenge is to recognize the risks and then to do everything possible to minimize them.  While you may not be able to take the losses down to zero, you can certainly take steps to protect the dollar store items you have for sale.  In this article I do not cover employee theft – the focus is on others.  Read on for some actions to help accomplish this task.

Conduct a store walk-through with local police – Many who own a dollar store are unaware of the many services their local police department is happy to provide.  In many cases these services include a store walk-through and suggestions for improving security.
Request help from your insurance carrier – Loss prevention is important to your insurance carrier.  All it takes is a call and you will find exactly what is available to you.

Install a security system – A solid security plan includes a complete security system.  Seek the help of an expert in designing a system to protect your business.  Make sure to use your system once it is installed.

Install security cameras – Security cameras can become your eyes into areas of the store you cannot see without making specific trips to inspect.  Do not overlook the value of having cameras directly above the cash registers.  Install a system you can remotely access.  Be sure to observe what is happening once the system is in-place.

Place security mirrors throughout your store – Such a simple tool, but highly effective for seeing activity in remote corners of the store. 

Think about theft and security when placing merchandise – some dollar store items will be much easier to take, and are more popular targets.  Items such as cosmetics and jewelry fall into this group.  Place these types of items so they are easily seen by cashiers from the cash register.

Make the presence of employees obvious to all – Simply having employees wear a store-colored apron or vest sends the word store employees are on the sales floor.

Do not keep large amounts of cash in registers – Conduct cash pulls or install a locked drop safe so money does not accumulate in cash registers. 

Install cashier panic buttons – Installing a silent alarm panic button may add a feeling of security for some employees.  Do not advertise the button exists and do not encourage employees to use it if there is any question of safety.

Follow the buddy system – Never leave a single employee alone in the store.  Likewise, money counting should be completed with a buddy in a locked area with cameras running.

If you own a dollar store, taking the actions listed above can go a long ways toward making your store a safer and more secure location.  However for every action you take there is someone who has a better way to work around it.  Your challenge is to stay up to date on safety and security and to implement smart changes as you learn more and new, better prevention comes available.  Above all, if you own a dollar store it is critical to never place employees in harm’s way – their safety is more important than a loss of a few dollar store items or money.