Choosing a retail security system — a buyer's guide
June 1, 2025·Vista EAS
A retail security system is a stack, not a single product. The right combination depends on store format, ticket size, and the specific shrink categories you face. This buyer's guide collapses the decision flow into one path.
Step 1 — pick the gate
Match frequency to assortment: AM 58 kHz for foil and apparel, RF 8.2 MHz for cardboard-packaged goods. Match aisle width to pedestal count.
Step 2 — pick the tag mix
- Hard tags for apparel and bags.
- Soft labels for packaged goods.
- Bottle tags for premium spirits.
- Ink-blister tags for high-risk fashion.
Step 3 — deactivation and detachers
Counter-pad deactivators belong at every till. Magnetic detachers go on the side away from the customer. Both must match the tag's frequency and lock standard.
Step 4 — CCTV overlap
Wire the gate's alarm output to the DVR for automatic incident bookmarking. Vista EAS configures this end-to-end on request, including the gate, tags, deactivators and CCTV trigger.
