Clothing Store Anti-Theft Devices

One of the worst scourges to the retail clothing industry is theft. It can be difficult to stop and if left unchecked can eat up profit margins, as thousands of dollars are literally walked out the doors. It is estimated that shoplifting accounts for between 20 and 30 billion dollars in lost merchandise every year. These anti-theft devices can help you battle the shop lifters and keep your store in business.


The most commonly used loss prevention devices are referred to as electronic article surveillance clips (EAS). These items have an electronic sensor or RFID chip in them designed to set off an alarm if someone tries to carry them through a store checkpoint. When someone purchases an item store clerks have a special tool to remove or deactivate the device. It can then be reused on another item. The most popular version takes form of an alligator clip with a pin through it. These clips are made of hard to break plastic and can be easily pinned onto any kind of garment.


Many devices will release indelible ink if a thief tries to remove them in a dressing room or later at home thereby ruining the stolen item. This is called benefit denial and prevents the thief from reselling the clothing. These devices are very difficult to defeat and even work against gravity.


For expensive items you can take measures further by running metal cables through sleeves and clothes hangers or store racks. People will still be able to try the items on, but will have a hard time walking away with them.


Security cameras or CCTV networks can also help monitor store activity. Cameras can help you cover blind spots. Place a camera over the cash registers as well. This way if there is any suspicious activity from employees you will have hard evidence before you wrongfully accuse someone, which could spark nasty legal action dissension among other workers. These systems have become much less expensive in recent years and digital recording devices have eliminated the need to store dozens of VCR tapes.


Without loss prevention devices there is nothing stopping thieves from simply pulling things off the hangers and carrying them out of the store. A small investment is required, but it is worth it. Tags cost between 50 cents and a few dollars depending on their style, but are reusable. Checkpoint towers start at around $1000. Once the system is in place it will pay dividends year after year.


About the Author: Ron Maier is the President of the Closet Hanger Factory, a leading online provider of clothes hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.closethangerfactory.com.

Franchising A Retail Clothing Store

There are literally hundreds of options when considering a retail clothing store startup. Franchising may be right for those who have the entrepreneurial bones, but are not necessarily filled with new ideas. Getting a business off the ground takes an enormous amount of time and planning. Instead of reinventing the wheel it may make more sense to purchase a retail clothing store franchise. Whatever you are interested in a franchise exists from shoes to lingerie. This article will examine some pros and cons of this style of business model.


Franchise packages can immensely shorten the startup time and increase your success rate. They provide a complete package from help finding a location to what clothes hangers to use. Most offer training on how to manage bank accounts and employees. These businesses already have relationships with suppliers and have setup product lines. Suppliers will know your business and may be able to give you better pricing structure than an unknown. Banks are more likely to provide financing for franchisees, since they are proven to be more successful than other business models. In order to even be considered for financing you have got to have a detailed business plan. Sometimes these can take several months to articulate and put together. The franchise model will have this step done for you and some may even provide in house financing. Another huge help comes with a proven marketing system. Franchisors know who their customers are and how to reach them. Even with a great idea you are nowhere if people do not know about you.


The support offered may be huge, especially if you are an inexperienced business owner, but of course it comes with a price. Franchise fees may vary from a few thousand dollars to tens or hundreds of thousands. Since these companies have a reputation to uphold you will be expected to perform in a certain way and provide specific products, whether they sell or not. Another drawback is you will have less input on exactly how your business is run throughout the year. This can affect everything from personal dress code clothes hangers, and store displays and layout. Large franchises may periodically send inspectors to make sure things are up to standards.


The key to success is to enjoy what you are doing. If you love the clothing industry, but are not completely comfortable stepping out on your own then finding the right franchise opportunity may be the answer. Franchisors will not do the work for you, but can definitely help you achieve your goals faster.



About the Author: Ron Maier is the President of the Closet Hanger Factory, a leading online provider of clothes hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.closethangerfactory.com.