Which of the following is a common strategy that retailers use to mitigate theft?

Employee training programs are a widely recognized strategy that retailers implement to help mitigate theft. Training programs equip staff with the necessary skills to recognize suspicious behavior, understand the store’s policies on theft, and respond appropriately to potential theft incidents. By fostering an informed workforce, retailers enhance their ability to prevent theft through vigilance and proactive engagement with customers.

Additionally, well-trained employees contribute to a safer retail environment and can deter potential thieves simply by being present and alert. Their active involvement can help reduce incidents of theft, as thieves are often deterred by the presence of attentive staff who are trained to observe and respond to unusual activity.

While increasing advertising, reducing store hours, and limiting store inventory might seem like plausible theft prevention strategies, they do not directly address the need for staff engagement and awareness in tackling theft. Advertising, for instance, primarily focuses on attracting customers rather than preventing theft. Reducing store hours might limit theft incidents but also reduces sales opportunities, and limiting inventory may result in a less appealing shopping experience for customers, which is not a sustainable method for loss prevention. Thus, focused employee training is a fundamental and effective approach in loss prevention strategies.