Insights

Stay informed and connected with what’s happening at Competitor IQ. 

Welcome to our Insights Hub, where you can access our official company news and professional perspectives on trends and topics impacting our industry in one location. 

Press Release Competitor IQ Press Release Competitor IQ

New Study Reveals Retail Security Measures Are Driving Customers Away

Retail theft is rising—but how customers feel about security may matter just as much as shrink.

The 2026 Retail Security & Loss Prevention Study reveals how today’s shoppers view theft, safety, and in-store security—and where retailers risk losing trust, convenience, and sales. Based on direct customer feedback, the study uncovers a critical balancing act: visible security measures can improve perceptions of safety, but excessive friction—such as locked merchandise and store closures—can actively damage the shopping experience and lead to abandoned purchases.

As theft increasingly impacts frontline operations, this research highlights what customers actually support, which security tactics quietly erode loyalty, and how retailers can protect assets without pushing shoppers away. The result is a practical, data-driven roadmap for loss prevention strategies that align security, customer confidence, and revenue protection.

Essential reading for retail leaders navigating the intersection of shrink, safety, and customer experience.

Read More