Survey: Small retailers feeling insecure

BOCA RATON, Fla.—Small retailers aren't feeling too physically secure these days.

Only one-third of small- and medium-sized retailers had utmost confidence with their current security, according to a new survey. Another one-third of those surveyed said they felt secure, with the remaining one-third saying their businesses were somewhat or not secure at all.

The Harris Interactive survey, commissioned by ADT, asked 712 small retailers—those with less than 100 employees and annual revenues of less than $5 million—about their security confidence, especially during the 2013 holiday shopping season.

“There's actually a large component of retailers who use door chimes as their [sole means of] security,” said Luis Orbegoso, president of ADT Small Business.

While small businesses may be strapped for resources, “they don't know what capabilities are available, that just by having a camera visible they could cut back on shrink and shoplifting,” he said.

“Beyond the Break-in: ADT Survey of Small Business Retailers' Everyday Security Concerns” showed that retailers are concerned about managing security needs around short-term holiday employees, shoplifting, vandalism, break-ins and online security.

Sixty-six of those surveyed said they think video surveillance would ensure their safety, but only 46 percent of them have cameras in place; 59 percent think indoor/outdoor cameras would help, but only 33 percent of them have them. In addition, 58 percent said they would rely on an alarm system, but only 50 percent have one deployed.

Real-time video surveillance, recorded surveillance, triggered text alerts and remote viewing of critical areas were the most-sought solutions, the survey showed.

ADT commissioned the survey to support its new Retail Solutions Bundle for small retailers. It will soon conduct surveys in the four other verticals: food and beverage and QSR; professional offices; infrastructure; clinics; and “mechanical,” such as gas stations and oil-change shops, Orbegoso said.