Key Takeaways:
- Retail establishments face a growing wave of organized retail crime and workplace violence that demand proactive security measures.
- Modern retail security systems offer affordable, highly effective protection from security threats, including bullet-resistant barriers and secure vestibules.
- Practical security strategies start with a threat assessment and focus on high-risk areas like entryways, cash registers, and display zones.
- Layered solutions integrating surveillance cameras, EAS systems, access control systems, and alarm systems deliver comprehensive coverage and reduce inventory shrinkage in retail operations.
- Working with an experienced provider ensures scalable systems that combine safety and aesthetics, tailored to your retail store.
Aggression toward retail workers is escalating, and attackers are using more organized, forceful tactics.
In one recent incident, a group of suspects drove into a family jewelry store in Fremont, Calif., smashed display cases with hammers, and stole tens of thousands of dollars of merchandise before driving away in multiple vehicles.
This is hardly an isolated incident. The U.S. retail industry reported a 42% increase in shoplifting incidents involving acts of violence last year, according to a National Retail Federation (NRF) report.
To protect employees, customers, and valuable merchandise, securing your retail storefront should be part of your business plan.
Fortunately, modern retail security systems—including bullet-resistant glass, transaction windows, and secure vestibules—can provide significant protection without requiring an extensive budget.
Here’s a closer look at the latest trends and how physical security upgrades are creating a safer shopping environment.
What Threats Do Retail Stores Face?
Retailers are grappling with a new normal.
Retail theft has increased by 93% since 2019 pre-COVID levels, according to the NRF, and they are more likely to include smash-and-grab thefts, organized retail crime, and shooting incidents.
They are also more likely to experience vandalism, stray bullets, or civil unrest.
Employees frequently cite lack of protection as a top concern, especially for night shifts. While security personnel, security cameras, and electronic article surveillance (EAS) can help deter theft, bullet-resistant barriers prevent escalation by physically deterring attackers to keep employees and customers safe.
What Are the Latest Retail Security Trends?
Retail businesses are embracing a range of security solutions to combat the rise in organized retail crime and violence. Here are a few of them:
Secure doors
Your doors are your first line of defense, and they should offer protection from bullets and forced entry. There are many options depending on your store’s design and the protection level needed.
Steel doors or aluminum doors both offer protection up to UL 752 Level 8 and are ideal for building exteriors, offering good light transmission and attractive design with various customization options.
Secure vestibules
Secure vestibules are particularly effective in high-risk areas such as luxury retail stores and urban centers. They may include access control and surveillance cameras or other security systems to prevent unauthorized entry. Unlike pre-fabricated “mantraps”, which can be costly and create ADA compliance issues, secure vestibules are custom solutions integrated with the design of a new or existing building. They may include a guard, metal detector, or video surveillance system.
Bullet-resistant transaction windows
Transaction windows are common in convenience stores, cannabis dispensaries, and fast food restaurants, protecting employees working at point-of-sale systems.
Retailers have many different options for these windows and window speak-thrus. It all depends on the type of interactions employees have with customers, the location of the window, sound transmission, and what materials need to pass through it.
Some popular options include:
- Window speakers, which are ideal for outdoor locations
- Baffle transaction windows, which feature an offset glazing system that allows for high-quality sound transmission while preventing shootings
- Hole and backer transaction windows, which include voice ports and are ideal for interior windows
- Voice transmission transaction windows, which use secure air passages throughout the frame to allow for natural voice communication.
Bulletproof counters and barriers
Bulletproof counters offer additional protection for frontline employees in areas not already covered by windows.
However, many convenient stores benefit from adding bullet-resistant glazing from the counter to the ceiling, creating a safe space for employees behind cash registers. These typically include transaction windows and a secure door for employees to enter and exit.
Break and bullet-resistant display cases
Retailers are also increasingly retrofitting storefronts with reinforced display cases, providing protection against smash-and-grab attacks.
Custom pass-through systems are being incorporated into secure environments as well. These barriers ensure that only authorized personnel can interact with high-value merchandise.
How to Plan Retail Security Systems
Planning and implementing an effective retail security strategy doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. The right partner can help you design and implement custom solutions and in a timely manner, even installing these systems after-hours to minimize disruption to your business.
Here’s a typical timeline:
- Assessment (Weeks 1-4) - Assess your security risks, identifying your biggest threats and highest-risk areas, based on your history of incidents and local police reports.
- Design (Weeks 5-8) - Work with an architect and design team to integrate physical security elements into your existing building. Be sure to consider local building codes, ADA requirements, and fire safety.
- Select Vendors and Materials (Weeks 9-12) - Choose a vendor who can provide customized solutions tailored to your store. The right systems should meet industry standards for bulletproofing and forced entry, including UL 752 and ASTM F1233, while supporting your store’s aesthetics and operations.
- Manufacturing and Installation (Weeks 12-28) - Work with experienced installers who understand how to properly handle these materials. If you’re retrofitting new barrier systems into existing door or window frames, ensure they will support the weight and thickness. You may need to implement new framing systems that have been tested to bullet-resistant and forced-entry standards.
- Train Employees and Maintain Security Protocol (Weeks 12-28) - Create or update security policies for employees, such as how to stay safe when opening and closing the store, how to safely handle cash, and where to go in an active shooter incident.
For a more detailed overview of what to consider as you plan these retail security upgrades, download this helpful checklist.
Note: While this overview covers physical security, you’ll also want to consider how to incorporate other retail security services, such as modern alarm systems with remote access. These retail loss prevention tools further support operational efficiency and employee safety.
Working with a leading provider like Total Security Solutions allows retail stores to develop customized security systems that align with your brand and your budget. Our team works closely with retailers to design comprehensive security solutions that protect your entire business across multiple locations.
Retail Security Is Now a Business Essential
Retail security is essential for protecting employees and your bottom line.
At Total Security Solutions, we design custom bullet-resistant windows and barriers that balance safety and budget considerations. From gas stations to national retail chains, we’ve helped thousands of businesses secure what matters most.
Ready to protect your store? Contact our team today to explore your options or learn more about custom barrier systems to improve retail security.
