NU#4 by Analiza G Mendoza - solution to shoplifting

ANALIZA G. MENDOZA

NU # 4

I was not aware that even in SM there is rampant shoplifting until someone, an outsider from the office came to sell us shoplifted items with their tags on half the mall price. Shirts, shorts, blouses, shoes, sandals, name it and you'll have it. Mostly these items are from the department stores. I wonder what happens to the promodizer of these items. If they pay for it, I wonder if there is anything left from their salary after being charged of lost items. It is not once, twice or thrice that I have seen this person selling these shoplifted items. Just imagine how much SM or its consignee looses form these stolen items.

If I am to handle the inventories of the store or given the chance to correct the wrong practices, I have thought of several solutions to lessen if not to completely eradicate shoplifting. One is by changing the price tags. Instead of putting paper serialized tags, department stores like SM should put plastic tags that can not be removed easily but only after you have paid the item. I know this is pricey but it can make shoplifters aware that if they get an item that is not paid and when they go out of the department store passing the metal detector, it will alarm. I have noticed that SM department store does not have metal detectors when you go out. The investment might be to pricey but it can greatly help.

Another solution is issuing a written invoice to be presented at the cashier and paid first before claiming the item. Upon claiming the items, plastic bags or paper bags should be sealed and customers are not allowed to open the bag while inside the mall. This would prevent shoplifters from putting unpaid items in the plastic bag. Guards do not normally check the paper or plastic bags that we carry while going out of the department store. This time they should check that bags are still sealed inorder to prevent shoplifting.

I doubt that the sales person is not responsible for the losses of their inventories. I am certain that they are charged of theses losses. I can only imagine how each sales person or promodizer would feel everytime she receives her payroll with the deduction. It is not easy to spend 8 hours standing and getting orders, arranging the stocks and at the end of the day just let these shoplifters rob you of your hard earned income. 3.5

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Ana G. Mendoza

Millisys Distribution Inc.
Tel no. 927-7063 loc 108