Jenny Parisi – UK Sales and Marketing Director at Checkpoint Systems UK tells SJUK how retailers can improve the customer experience while enhancing security.

What are the largest threats the retail sector is currently facing?

The threat landscape in retail has evolved dramatically.

Today, Organised Retail Crime (ORC) represents one of the most significant and concerning challenges.

These aren’t opportunistic thefts – they’re coordinated, professional operations targeting multiple stores, often focusing on high-value items with resale potential.

The consequences are not just financial; the safety of store teams is increasingly at risk, especially in sectors like groceries, where staff are exposed to high volumes of footfall and sometimes confrontational scenarios.

In parallel, we’re also seeing growing levels of internal theft, fraud at self-checkouts and returns abuse, all of which add to the shrink burden.

Add to that labour shortages, which limit in-store capacity to monitor and respond, it’s clear retailers are navigating a highly complex environment.

Security is no longer a siloed function – it must be embedded across operations, logistics and customer service.

Why are RFID and RF technology systems such an important solution for retailers?

RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) and RF (Radio Frequency) systems have become foundational to modern retail security strategies.

Their value lies not just in theft deterrence, but in the rich operational insights they provide.

RFID technology, for instance, enables item-level visibility across the supply chain.

It helps ensure accurate inventory, improves product availability and supports smarter replenishment.

In fashion retail, where complexity around sizes, colours and SKUs can hinder visibility, RFID solves a huge operational challenge.

In groceries, it helps with managing stock rotation, expiry dates and freshness – all while supporting sustainability through reduced waste.

Meanwhile, RF EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) systems remain a key frontline defence, particularly in high-shrink environments.

Today’s RF systems are far more advanced than in years past.

They’re integrated with point-of-sale systems, video surveillance and analytics platforms, providing real-time insights and enabling a more proactive loss prevention approach.

Together, RFID and RF create a layered security strategy that not only protects merchandise but enables more informed decisions, faster reactions and better customer service.

How can retailers both improve security and customer experience?

There’s a common misconception that better security comes at the cost of customer experience, but that’s not the case. In fact, when done well, intelligent security enhances the customer journey.

Take RFID: By improving stock accuracy and product availability, it ensures customers can find what they want, when they want it – whether that’s in-store, via click-and-collect or through ship-from-store models.

It also supports faster service, fewer out-of-stocks and smoother checkout experiences.

At Checkpoint, we design frictionless security solutions.

These include discreet tagging systems, smart detection at store exits and real-time alerts to mobile devices – so that staff can respond quickly and calmly, without disrupting the shopping experience.

We also support tailored strategies across different verticals: For example, a high-end fashion boutique may require a more subtle security approach than a busy supermarket and our solutions flex to meet those needs.

Ultimately, security and experience can – and should – work hand in hand.

How do you think retail security will change or evolve in the future?

We’re entering an exciting and critical new phase for retail security, where technology, data and automation will play increasingly central roles.

The future is predictive and intelligent.

Technologies like AI and machine learning will enable retailers to detect suspicious behaviour or patterns before a loss occurs – based on sales data, movement trends and historical incidents.

Computer vision will enhance CCTV systems by identifying actions like concealment, tag switching or aggressive behaviour without constant manual monitoring.

RFID will continue to evolve beyond loss prevention, supporting innovations like frictionless checkout, smart fitting rooms and automated replenishment.

Importantly, these systems will also support sustainability goals, with reusable tagging solutions and eco-friendly designs now playing a bigger role in procurement decisions.

Security won’t just protect – it will predict, adapt and enable.

If there was one thing you’d like retailers to know, what would that be?

Security is no longer a reactive necessity – it’s a strategic asset.

When it’s integrated across operations, supported by the right technology and aligned with customer expectations, it drives more than just protection. It delivers value.

At Checkpoint Systems UK, we’ve seen time and again how intelligent security systems help reduce shrink, increase inventory accuracy, improve staff safety and support better shopper engagement.

We work closely with retailers in fashion, grocery and other verticals to align solutions to the unique risks and goals of each business.

If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: Treat your security strategy not as a cost centre, but as an engine for business performance.

The retailers who do that are the ones leading the way in resilience, agility and customer trust.

This article was originally published in the July edition of Security Journal UK. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.