Developing Business In The Garden Industry
HTA Security Workshops: preventing customer theft
A new series of six HTA Security Workshops designed to help retailers tackle the soaring cost of retail crime are to take place between June and November 2012.
The cost of customer theft rose by 31% last year with more than one customer theft every minute*. The new format practical workshops are in response to growing concerns about theft and are targeted to specifically meet the needs of garden retailers to deal with increased incidents of theft.
The workshops will focus on the following key areas:
- Identifying high risk products and top five stolen items
- How to prevent customer theft
- How to spot shoplifters
- The role customer service can play in deterring shoplifting
- The steps to follow when apprehending shoplifters (what’s legal)
- How to prevent price swapping
- Best practices and guidelines
Led by HTA security advisor, Jeremy Davies and Peter Compton of HTA security partner B to B Links, attendees will learn practical, easy to apply, and workable solutions that can be applied immediately and in many cases, without additional investment from the business.
Amanda Lynas, manager of Sunnybank Garden Centre, who attended a previous HTA Security Workshop, commented: “We gained valuable insight on theft in our industry – not just from the latest HTA crime survey but also by talking to other HTA members about their experiences. Thanks to this workshop we have now been able to take a pro-active role in protecting our business.”
Caroline Palmer, managing director for Palmers Garden Centre noted: “We found the workshop quite an eye opener. There were some good ideas, not all requiring money, and we reviewed several procedures as a result.”
Six workshops are scheduled to take place between June and November
Thurs 14 June
Webbs of Wychbold, Worcestershire
Tues 10 July
Poplars Garden Centre, Bedfordshire
Thurs 12 July
Langlands Garden Centre, Yorkshire
Tues 02 October
Bellis Brothers, Wrexham
Thurs 04 October
Squires Garden Centre, Middlesex
Weds 07 November
Torwood Garden Centre, Stirlingshire
The cost is just £75 + VAT per delegate for HTA members and includes refreshments.
For further information and/or to book your place at a workshop please contact: events@the-hta.org.uk or visit www.the-hta.org.uk/events
* Source: British Retail Consortium
Contacts
Gill Ormrod, Angela Bean or Cassie King
HTA Media Office
Tel: 0118 930 3132
Email: media.office@the-hta.org.uk
Join us on Facebook www.facebook.com/htanews
The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is the trade association for the UK garden industry. It is dedicated to helping develop the industry and its member businesses, including most garden centres and other garden retailers, growers, landscapers, manufacturers and service providers.
The HTA was founded in 1899. Its key roles include: provision of advice-based services such as business improvement schemes, briefings and help lines; training, conferences and events for members; market information and research; promotions such as the National Garden Gift Voucher scheme; and working closely with government and the media to influence policy and projects.
Last updated: 13/04/2012 15:51