Local business takes new approach to prevent store loss
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A Wilmington antique shop has added lockers as a way to address retail theft and damage inside the store.
Janie Perry, owner of The Vintage Marketplace on Oleander Drive, said she began noticing increased shoplifting and merchandise breakage. She introduced lockers in February as a preventive step.
“We implemented the lockers to alleviate two potential problems breakage mainly and then of course the shoplifting which continues to be an ever growing challenge,” Perry said.
She said most customers have responded well to the new measure.
“It’s an option. They have the option to secure it in their vehicle or they can utilize the locker,” she said.
Perry said the store is not trying to prevent theft entirely, but to make it harder.
“If they are going to take it they are going to take it — we are just trying to make it less easy,” she said.
Security is a concern for many retailers. Wilmington Police Department Lieutenant Greg Willett said retail theft remains a common issue in the city. He supports businesses taking extra steps.
“I think it’s a great idea. I mean anybody that’s got a business that wants to set a standard of rules like that… that’s part of being a business owner. If it protects their interests, which their interests are the items that they sell, sure absolutely,” Willett said.
Perry said surveillance cameras help, but they do not stop every incident.
“People always assume you should have cameras or more personnel, but ultimately the consumer pays for that because then my expenses increase, the vendors increase… and the customer is ultimately the one who pays the price and we are trying to deter that,” she said.
She also said her store enforces strict consequences for theft.
“I disagree with it’s the cost of doing business. We have a zero tolerance. If you steal from us we are going to go to the full extent that we possibly again,” she said.
Perry said she keeps the lockers stocked with small trinkets and said another nearby business has adopted a similar locker policy. She hopes more will follow.
