GlobeSt.com: What was the primary goal of the secure store?

Newman: We wanted to present a store full of great secure ideas that retailers can integrate into their store right now. Numerous sponsors came together to display their technologies in a mock-retail environment, allowing retailers to see how the products can be used within their stores. The store was divided into halves--the front of store and the back of store. We demonstrated both the customer perspective and the ways the technology is monitored by management.

GlobeSt.com: Who developed the store and what kind of technologies did it showcase?

Newman: Hybridia Design of Clifton, VA. developed the Secure Store. It featured cutting-edge technologies including video surveillance systems with biometric access control solutions, multipoint-locking systems, CCTV camera and monitors, IP network video systems, rolling shutters, money counting systems, automated returns software which detects and prevents acts of theft and fraud, magnetic AM and RF security tags and advanced shopping carts with wheels that lock in the event of shoplifting.

GlobeSt.com: Who were the sponsors?

Newman: Sponsors included Amphion, Carttronics, ClickIt, DETEX, Global Compliance, Metro One Loss Prevention Services Group, QMI Security Shutters and Product Cases, Riverview Systems, RSS Partners Inc., SIRAS, United Surveillance Systems Corp. and Vital Signz.

GlobeSt.com: The Secure Store featured a host of new technologies, all designed to help retailers reduce shrink. Can you highlight a few of the technologies?

Newman: One is POS Electronic Registration and Smart Return from SIRAS, which tracks products by serial number so a store can tell whether a product being returned was actually purchased, and, if so, when and where. The technology prevents thieves from returning stolen merchandise. We also displayed a technology that compiles a visual library of individuals that are barred from a retail store. This LP Image Library from Riverview Systems allows a retailer to build an image database that provides visual analysis and trending of these individuals. The service allows retailers to put a face to organized retail crime. One other new technology, sponsored by Carttronics, was an RFID tool that stops thieves from leaving a store with a cart full of stolen goods.

GlobeSt.com: What kind of reactions did you get about the Secure Store?

Newman: The store was a huge success by all accounts. Sponsors were incredibly excited about the retail contacts they made and the potential business that will come in the future. Attendees enjoyed the interactive nature of the store and the way we put technology into perspective in a creative and exciting way.