5 reasons why you should consider retail security services

The world of retail shopping has changed dramatically over the years. The look and feel of stores has changed, the products have changed, but the biggest change has been from in-person shopping to online shopping. Why do people now prefer to shop online?

The easy answer is convenience. Shopping online allows shoppers to skip the lines, avoid other people, and sit in the safety of their own house. So how do traditional retailers retain their customers and attract new customers back? Many retailers try to lower prices, but in reality the answer is to make the experience convenient, friendly, and safe. The easiest way to do that is to provide on-site security.

Below are 5 reasons why you should consider security at your retail center and how it will help you create a convenient, friendly, and safe experience for your customers.

1.) Prevent Theft

The most obvious reason to hire security is to prevent theft. Thieves are often people of opportunity, so if they see no opportunity for an easy steal, they aren’t going to do it. Instead, they’ll go across the street and target the next business, keeping them off of your property.

2.) Prevent Customer Incidents

Anyone who has worked in retail knows, customer incidents are inevitable and are challenging situations to deal with. These incidents can range greatly in their context, from irate customers to assaults. While these situations will never go away, having the presence of a security guard can prevent some and lessen the severity of others.

3.) Increase Customer Satisfaction

Simply put, when customer’s feel safe they have a better shopping experience. Not only that, but what’s better than being greeted with a smiling face before you even enter the store? An example of the impact security can have on customer experience is Signal Officer Lonnie Barnes. Lonnie began patrols for a local taco shop in Orange County where confrontational guests, theft, and loitering were an issue. After a month on site, Del Taco was a completely different store. 

 
Del Taco’s General Manager, Marciela Hernandez, said, “It’s been over a month, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have such a diligent person do his job with passion. I have high expectations of my team and [Barnes] became one of us, reaching my expectations. We feel safe and protected.”

Read Lonnie’s story here

4.) Increase Employee Happiness

Just like customers, employees are happier when they don’t have to worry about their safety. Working alone can be scary, especially locking up for the night and walking to your car alone. Signal Security officers can help by being present during closing times, ensuring your employees are safe. Have an irate customer? The chances of things escalating are dramatically decreased with security present. With that peace of mind, your employees will perform better and stay longer.

5.) Increase Revenue

Increased customer satisfaction and employee happiness creates a great shopping experience for your customers. Great shopping experiences create long lasting customer loyalty. That loyalty makes those customers spread positive word of mouth, bringing in more customers and more revenue. This increased revenue not only pays for the security itself, but also adds to your bottom line.

The reasons for businesses to consider security are simple and the results are tangible. If you’d like to learn more about Signal for your business, click here.

Passion Award: Stephen Hayes
Signal of El Paso, TX & Signal of Greater Albuquerque, NM
  


At Signal, we drive with passion in everything we do because passion connects people to purpose.
 

Stephen Hayes exemplifies this every day. A positive and giving leader, Stephen is a role model to others in the network. He stays closely connected to the Home Office, ensuring he is personally executing operational details with excellence and accuracy. 

Beyond his own market, Stephen is always willing to lend advice and support anyone in the network who needs it, while maintaining strong results in his markets. His dedication, energy, and consistent positive attitude make him a powerful example of what it means to lead with passion. 

Honesty & Integrity Award: Jonas Palmer
Signal of Northwest Tennessee & Signal of Jackson, MS 

We live in honesty and integrity because without it, our company and our brand are hollow. 

Jonas Palmer has taken on some of our most challenging markets and turned them around in a remarkably short time. He leads from the front, never asking his team to do anything he isn’t willing to do himself. 

When feedback comes from the Home Office, whether operational or financial, Jonas responds with transparency and immediate follow-through. His professionalism, accountability, and respect in every interaction set a high standard for reliability and trust. 

Relationships Award: Mike Kosmet
Signal of Michigan 

We build relationships because healthy success can only be created with mutual respect for others. 

Mike Kosmet has demonstrated consistent success for more than a decade. He understands that collaboration fuels progress, as shown in his partnership with our Milwaukee office, which helped drive a significant market turnaround. 

Personable, responsive, and easy to work with, Mike prioritizes communication and follow-through. His ability to engage his team and work alongside peers has contributed to doubling the size of his business this year. He proves that strong relationships are a competitive advantage. 

Serving Award: Shane Wimer
Signal of Nebraska 

We serve our communities without hesitation because serving is the active ingredient in service. 

Shane Wimer led the development of Code Enforcement as a new service offering, generously sharing his entire process with the Home Office and fellow franchisees. His collaboration helped create sales and training materials that are driving growth across the network. 

He knows his officers by name and genuinely cares about their success, which is reflected in his team’s outstanding retention rates. Shane’s ability to balance strong financial performance with a people-first mindset makes his franchise a model for serving both community and team. 

Learning Award: Dan Liotta
Signal of Central and Northern Virginia  

We learn something every day by holding an open-minded approach to everything we do. 

Since joining Signal in 2023, Dan Liotta has made a significant impact. As a strategic and thoughtful leader, he delivers strong results and exceptional customer service by staying focused on sustainable growth. 

Dan is constantly seeking ways to improve his operations and bring more value to his market. His visionary mindset and commitment to continuous improvement remind us that growth begins with a willingness to learn.

Core Champion Award: Haris Johnson
Signal of Washington, D.C. 

While each award represents a specific value, the Core Champion brings them all together. 

Haris Johnson represents the full Signal mission in every aspect of his business. He makes a lasting impression in every interaction, from how he supports his officers to the passion he brings to serving clients. 

He is always exploring new ideas to improve his franchise and shows genuine appreciation for others across the network. His commitment to his team, his clients, and the future of Signal makes him a true Core Champion. 

Congratulations! 

These winners represent what makes Signal different. Our Core Values – Passion, Honesty & Integrity, Relationships, Serving, and Learning – are the foundation of how we operate and how we grow.  

To our 2025 Core Award winners: thank you for leading by example and for showing what it truly means to live the Signal mission.

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