Ares-i: Securing South Africa’s retail spaces this festive season
The festive season is upon us, and with it comes a lively buzz as families and friends prepare to celebrate. Shopping centres are filled with cheerful decorations and bustling shoppers seeking bargains. Yet, beneath the twinkling lights and joyous energy lies a stark reality for retailers – the heightened risk of theft, vandalism, and fraud.
Shopping malls and retail stores, adorned with festive displays and bustling with activity, are not just hubs for holiday cheer but also prime targets for criminal activities – so much so that studies suggest that crime surges by as much as 30% between December and January1.
The retail front is no different: crime statistics revealed a 20% increase in shoplifting between 2022 and 2023, with Gauteng and the Western Cape leading the charge2. Alarmingly, insights from 2023 revealed an increase in shoplifting by 20.3% from 1 January to 31 March of that year3. This concerning trend not only impacts on the financial bottom line of retailers but also disrupts the holiday spirit for both employees and shoppers.
Vic Esterhuizen, Product Owner at Xpert Decision Systems (XDS), agrees that South Africa’s retail sector faces significant challenges during the season of generosity and high foot traffic.
“Retailers, employees, and customers alike find themselves navigating an atmosphere of both opportunity and vulnerability; however, the risks aren’t limited to merely financial losses,” he explains. “Incidents such as fraudulent transactions, vandalism, and even physical altercations create environments of unease. Shoppers looking for holiday deals deserve to feel safe, while employees require peace of mind as they work extended hours to meet the season’s demands.”
This is where innovation and vigilance meet. Modern technology has become the retail sector’s ally in combating crime and fostering secure, welcoming spaces for all. Advanced surveillance systems paired with cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming how security is managed, creating a proactive line of defence.
In a country where crime is an ongoing concern, security solutions must rise to the challenge of protecting both businesses and individuals without compromising the joy and experience of the festive season.
“Given the ever-increasing threat of crime, the days of reactive security approaches are no longer sufficient. Instead, forward-thinking retailers are adopting technology that integrates seamlessly with their operations, monitoring environments in real time and offering swift responses to threats before they escalate,” adds Esterhuizen.
One such innovation is Ares-i, a solution tailored to the needs of the South African retail landscape. Utilising existing in-store CCTV cameras, Ares-i leverages proprietary AI-enabled facial recognition technology to monitor activity discreetly and efficiently. The system records individuals entering the premises and creates a temporary log. Should an individual engage in undesirable behaviour, they can be added to a watchlist, ensuring swift identification and action in the future.
Beyond its crime deterrence capabilities, Ares-i enhances customer experiences. Loyal customers, especially those enrolled in-store loyalty programmes, can be recognised upon entry, enabling personalised service and exclusive offers. This dual purpose of protection and personalisation makes Ares-i a standout tool for retailers seeking to balance security with customer satisfaction.
“This festive season, as shoppers flock to stores in search of gifts and memories, Ares-i empowers retailers to create safer, happier shopping experiences. By combining the human desire for safety with the power of technology, Ares-i ensures that the spirit of the holidays remains undimmed – bringing peace of mind to retailers, employees, and customers alike,” concludes Esterhuizen.