The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has released updated Bag Check Guidelines for NSW-based retailers.
ARA executive director, Russell Zimmerman, said the purpose of the Bag Check Guidelines is to provide principles and practices in relation to bag checks, so that shoppers and retailers can approach the situation with knowledge of their rights and obligations.
“Bag checks are conducted by retailers in an attempt to control theft. While this practice may be necessary, privacy issues need to be considered and the check conducted with a minimum of intrusion,” said Zimmerman.
“Clearly, not all conflicts will be avoided, however, the Bag Check Guidelines provide procedures for the control of conflicts when they arise.
“Theft is estimated to cost the Australian retail sector $7.5 billion per year. With Christmas right around the corner, now is the time for all retailers to fine tune their loss prevention strategies.
“Conducting bag checks is a crucial loss prevention strategy, but retailers need to be aware that policies for checking bags must be visible to all shoppers and understood by all staff members,” he said.
The ARA’s Bag Check Guidelines, endorsed by NSW Fair Trading, are available on the ARA website http://www.retail.org.au/ara-
