Axis’ retail team will be attending the event and here Graham Swallow, Retail Lead for Northern Europe, explains more about the trending threats to retail and what attendees can expect from Axis at the show.
Tell us about Retail Risk 2023 and why it’s so important?
Retail Risk is a major event in the retail calendar. The 2022 event attracted a staggering 84% of the UK’s top 100 retail businesses. Threat, and how to mitigate it, continues to present an ongoing challenge, and this event gives retailers an opportunity to come together with colleagues and peers to share best practice as well as discuss the tools and technologies that are helping them operate smarter and more securely.
What are some of the key issues affecting retail?
There are some very big issues affecting retail that continue to make headlines. A major challenge for retail managers is the rise in the theft of goods, exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis, with an 18% increase in shoplifting reported from June 2021 to June 2022[1]. As families continue to struggle to make ends meet, organised retail crime gangs will take advantage of increased demand for stolen goods. Violence and intimidation towards retail staff also continue to present a problem, but we know this is amplified when times are hard. There is also the issue of insider threat - the increase in opportunist theft by usually reliable employees who turn to crime out of desperation, which currently accounts for over 22% of UK retail shrinkage[2]. On top of this, the rising costs related to the amount of energy required to run retail operations also presents an ongoing challenge.
What can attendees expect from Axis at this year’s event?
Retail Risk presents an opportunity to get to grips with new technologies and understand industry trends. The evolution of IoT-connected devices is a good example, such as the ability of our cameras, with powerful edge-based capabilities, to run analytics that transform video data into actionable intelligence and drive deterrent through other devices. At Axis we’re constantly listening to feedback from the retail industry and developing new products to solve a range of retail problems. As a result, Axis will be introducing the AXIS M5000-G camera to the retail market at this event.
Can you provide any details about AXIS M5000-G in advance?
The M5000-G features three 5MP sensors and a PTZ for exceptional situational awareness. Wireless I/O connectivity on Z-Wave Plus® devices makes it simple to connect the M5000-G to up to six other devices, such as the PIR Motion Sensor, and AXIS Temperature sensor which can be used to detect anomalies such as chiller doors being left open. Data is displayed as overlays in the video stream for more detailed insights. The system can even use its situational awareness capabilities to automatically activate lighting and heating to meet demand.
Axis body-worn solutions have also proven popular – can you tell us more?
Axis body-worn cameras combine the latest network camera technology in a high-quality, wearable solution that can capture video and audio on the move. We’ll be demonstrating our existing body-worn technology at the event and answering any questions about its use. We also have some exciting updates to our body-worn range which we’re looking forward to announcing this year.
As a vendor, what additional value does Retail Risk present?
In addition to retail businesses, Retail Risk also attracts many of our partners and many vendors. For Axis this is a great opportunity to not only speak to customers and prospects working directly within retail, but can also create an opportunity to collaborate on new and innovative solutions and enter into new technological partnerships. Our sister company Briefcam will be on the stand with us, helping to demonstrate the power of their analytics and video solution using Axis cameras.
Where will Axis be located on the day?
The event takes place on 20 April between 08:45 – 17:15 with delegates also having an opportunity to extend their attendance with a special gala dinner in the evening. Come and meet the Axis team at Retail Risk, London - Stand 16, to discuss your requirements, find out about our portfolio of innovative solutions for retail, and arrange a demo of our latest products in action.
Retail Risk – London 2023
Novotel London West
1 Shortlands
Hammersmith
London
W6 8DR
[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-11-19/theft-is-on-the-rise-in-uk-stores-as-cost-of-living-crisis-grows?leadSource=uverify%20wall
[2] https://www.retailresearch.org/crime-costs-uk.html
