Integrating Security into Retail Design
The past year saw a marked increase in daytime armed robberies and after-hours break-ins at cannabis retail stores across the United States, translating into millions of dollars in losses. Targets ran the gamut, from multistate operators and luxury cannabis stores to smaller operations. While an overall rise in crime appears to be impacting other retail sectors as well, cannabis retailers face unique challenges operating primarily in cash with products that are easily stolen and diverted into the illicit market. Federal legislation like the SAFE Banking Act will be game-changing if passed, but in the meantime retailers must work within current realities to keep employees and customers safe while reducing business risks. Opportunities exist at every level, including in the store’s retail design. We spoke with two experienced security consultants, Chris Eggers, founder and chief executive officer at Cannabis Compliant Security Solutions, and Tony Gallo, managing partner at Sapphire Ri...