Complete guide to retail store security cameras and shopping center video surveillance systems

Why you need retail security cameras for stores and shopping centers

Retail stores are one of the places where theft often happens. From shoplifting and employee theft to negligence, retail stores accumulate a significant amount of loss over time. One of the most effective ways to prevent theft and other crimes is to invest in retail store security systems—specifically, security cameras in stores and security cameras in retail stores. There are many benefits of installing security cameras in stores, such as monitoring employee and customer behavior. When theft or other crimes occur, footage from a security camera for retail stores can provide evidence for the authorities or in court, and minimize insurance costs. The visible presence of cameras in stores, retail store security cameras and CCTV for retail stores can also deter shoplifting, making the device an indispensable security tool in any retail space.

Retail security cameras & surveillance systems for different types of retail spaces

There is a wide variety of retail store security cameras and retail CCTV solutions with advanced features designed to fit specific needs. Some retail stores might opt for more affordable retail surveillance systems with basic security features, while others require advanced security with more robust hardware. For example, the type of camera required for shopping center live video surveillance will be different from a security camera for a small pop-up store. Here are different retail security camera systems and the features that can improve specific commercial security system strategies.

Fixed IP retail security cameras

Ideal for: Small retail stores with stricter security budgets.

Operating in a static, immovable position, fixed security cameras in retail stores provide a single view within the camera’s field of vision, allowing a continuous observation of people and places. The static quality of fixed retail store security cameras is suitable for retail store owners who know which areas they want to monitor, which typically includes entrances and exits, registers and storage rooms. 

The process of installing fixed retail security camera systems is relatively simple and quick, due to the few moving parts that come with this type of business surveillance system. Once an installer sets the cameras in place according to the business owners’ preferences, no further adjustment in viewing angle is needed. Aside from effortless installation, fixed retail store security cameras are also affordable, making them a popular choice for smaller businesses with a stricter security budget. This type of security cameras in retail stores may not be suitable to monitor large areas and is not ideal to use as a shopping center video camera security and for shopping center live security monitoring, as the fixed angle limits the coverage on large areas.

Wireless retail security camera systems

Ideal for: Chain retail stores with multiple locations.

Wireless retail security cameras use Wi-Fi capabilities to function outside of a wired network. This means that installation is less invasive with less drilling required compared to wired cameras. Because of the simple wiring process, the cameras can be easily rearranged and moved to new locations. The versatility of wireless security cameras make it easy to scale up and add more cameras to a network, making them ideal for retail stores with multiple locations. Many wireless security cameras include onboard and cloud storage for convenient and cost-effective storage. Other standard features to expect in wireless security cameras are night vision and two-way audio. 

While wireless security cameras in retail stores come with many benefits, there are some disadvantages that users should note. Wireless security cameras are battery-operated or require the device to be plugged into an outlet. Some users might find this inconvenient, as the devices need regular maintenance or have to be installed near electrical outlets. Wireless security cameras are also highly dependent on Wi-Fi, and any disruption in the connection can dismantle a network of security cameras. Dependence on Wi-Fi also means the cameras have limited signal range. Walls, floors and other elements can interfere with the camera signal. 

Pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) retail security cameras

Ideal for: Large retail spaces like malls, department stores and hypermarkets with loading docks. Also suitable for jewelry and designer stores that carry high-value items. 

Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, PTZ cameras can monitor large areas with a single device. This type of camera offers wide and close-up views to allow users to take a close look at events, so no detail is missed. Some features that can help retail store owners maximize their security are a 360-degree viewing angle and a wide tilt range to cover every angle and capture every movement in large areas. For outdoor use, such as in delivery zones or parking lots, look for weather and impact rated cameras that are vandal resistant and can withstand various weather conditions. 

For something like jewelry and designer good store security or dispensary security, the zoom feature in PTZ cameras gives the ability to observe objects from great distances and focus on details. Especially for jewelry stores that carry small but high-cost items, the zoom feature allows owners to more closely monitor the movement or merchandise and the customers and staff who handle them.

Most PTZ cameras come with a motion-detection feature to adjust the field of view to follow moving objects. While this feature may not work during business hours, especially in larger retail spaces like malls or as security cameras for department stores where there is heavy foot traffic and movement, it is particularly useful after-hours to detect potential burglaries or identify people who are not supposed to be there. For after-hour surveillance, look for PTZ cameras that can function in all lighting conditions, including in complete darkness. 

When it comes to management, some PTZ cameras come with convenient features like remote camera control to give users the ability to change the camera’s field of view without going onsite. Another useful feature for remote surveillance is time-based auto scan. With this technology, pan, tilt and zoom settings can be timed to capture different fields of view over an area. For large malls, it is important to have shopping center real-time video surveillance to prevent damages before incidents occur. PTZ cameras are also ideal to use as part of a enterprise security system strategy for major retail store chains, specifically for grocery store security cameras department store security cameras. They facilitate smoother shopping center live surveillance, even for smaller security teams.

Panoramic or fisheye retail security cameras

Ideal for: Large retail spaces in busy areas with parking lots and loading docks. Also suitable for securing warehouses and outdoor retail spaces like farmer’s markets. 

Panoramic cameras provide a wide area coverage to capture all people and vehicle activities. This type of retail CCTV solution gives users total situational awareness and allows them to view a large expanse of area all at once, zeroing in on the important details. 

Because fisheye security cameras offer a 360-degree coverage from a single vantage point, opting for this type of retail CCTV security system means that users don’t have to invest in multiple security cameras. Panoramic security cameras are ideal for shopping center real-time video monitoring. When it comes to budget, this type of cameras can help owners save on security costs with a single camera’s ability to cover areas that are typically covered by three or more devices. This makes installation easy, with fewer wiring and network switches to install. 

Some fisheye security cameras come with advanced features and built-in analytics that make them ideal for monitoring large parking lots or delivery zones. Users are able to track a moving person or vehicle in one frame, instead of going between multiple images on a screen. Aside from being convenient, this prevents important video footage from getting lost between camera shots, allowing a complete and thorough surveillance. 

To further ensure that no detail is lost, the digital zoom function in some panoramic security cameras helps users narrow down focus on a specific section of an image. This saves users the time and effort to find specific footage and eliminates the need to scour through multiple cameras and images, which can be overwhelming when covering large areas.

What to look for in shopping center and retail video surveillance management solutions

There are many varieties of security cameras and retail CCTV security systems with advanced features that fit specific needs. Without a flexible video management system solution, however, these features could be inefficient and time-consuming to operate. Here are some features you should look for that can streamline processes, improve efficiency and allow you to have a holistic view of security across retail locations:

• Open architecture: Your business needs are constantly changing, and you might need to add different systems and cameras as your business grows. A video management system with an open architecture ensures that integrations with third-party systems like retail access control, alarm, and employee management systems. Other key integrations include customer tracking for key customer data, such as occupancy management.

• Remote management: Opting for a cloud-based video management solution means that users can conveniently manage video security and other integrated systems remotely. Operators are able to observe real-time activities from anywhere and at any time, enabling them to take swift action the moment suspicious activities are detected. Cloud-connected systems are especially useful for shopping center real-time video surveillance and shopping center remote video surveillance. 

• Scalability: When you have multiple sites to manage, a scalable solution that can support entry-level surveillance to thousands of cameras across locations is especially beneficial. With just a few clicks, you can effortlessly add cameras and locations to a network. 

• Advanced analytics: Used to automatically generate descriptions of what is happening in video, analytics identify people, vehicles and other objects captured in video stream to ensure that no detail is missed. The artificial intelligence can also analyze video in real-time, send alerts, and provide intelligence to the authorities. 

• Video clip search: The ability to easily search and locate specific video footage from a certain time period can help provide evidence for incident reports without manually going through a huge volume of footage.  

• Support and responsiveness: Ensure that the video management solution provider you choose can offer the necessary support to maximize uptime. Opting for a priority service package can also guarantee that you will get maintenance and support whenever you need it.