Checkpoint Systems and Sainsbury's 'try something new today'

The move corroborates general opinion within the industry on the need for heightened in-store security. By installing Checkpoint System's range of EAS antennae and deactivation equipment, Sainsbury's has increased its in-store product protection potentially enabling a full extension of its source-tagging programme. This will offer enhanced store-protection without encroaching upon valuable store colleague's time.

Source tagging is a tried and tested theft prevention technique, protecting consumer products by applying an EAS label during the manufacturing process. Without altering the product image, the security label is integrated directly into a product's labelling or packaging at the point of manufacture, meaning that the product arrives in-store shelf-ready from a security point-of-view.

Applying the EAS tags at source rather than during the retail side of the chain means that companies can free-up staff to concentrate on sales. It also reduces the time between receipt of merchandise and on-shelf availability.

Currently, Sainsbury's source tags a number of its most prestigious lines, including the Jamie Oliver meat range and TU clothing, however, the company is exploring the possibility of rolling-out to the company's health and beauty, beers, wines and spirits, and electrical ranges as part of this latest agreement.

Commenting on the deal, Phil Wilson, Head of Operational Support - Retail Profit Protection at Sainsbury's said: "In-store protection is high on our agenda at Sainsbury's, we took the decision to invest in this EAS programme with our EAS partner Checkpoint Systems. This now allows us to pursue a wide-ranging source tagging programme, which has some huge potential benefits.

"We take the threat of shoplifting very seriously and anything we can do to reduce it is a top priority. Source tagging means we can consistently protect our products and reduce the amount of time our colleagues have to spend securing the items, that's a double business benefit," added Phil. "Working with Sainsbury's on this exciting project has been a fantastic opportunity for us," commented David Nuttall, Managing Director of Checkpoint Systems UK. "It is great that a leading retailer has taken security issues so seriously and really recognised the potential long-term impact that shoplifting can have on overall business performance."