While have long been a staple in loss prevention, retailers in New Zealand and Australia are increasingly adopting the Forstag HangSell Tag – available in both RF and AM frequencies – as the next-generation solution for product protection – particularly in health and beauty.
Why Retailers are Moving from Anti-Sweep Locks to HangSell Tags as a key trend.
Retail loss prevention has long relied on Anti-Sweep Locks, also known as prong locks or stop locks, to protect high-value and easily targeted items. These solutions have served retailers well over the years, particularly in health and beauty categories where theft rates are traditionally higher. However, retailers across New Zealand and Australia are increasingly adopting the Forstag HangSell Tag as a modern, shopper-friendly alternative. Available in both RF (Radio Frequency) and AM (Acousto-Magnetic) frequencies, the HangSell Tag offers an innovative approach to product protection that aligns with contemporary retail needs.
The Key Difference Between Anti-Sweep Locks and HangSell Blister Pack Tags
Anti-Sweep Locks function by physically restricting the movement of products from display prongs or hooks. While they effectively deter theft, they also create friction in the customer experience. Shoppers cannot freely handle or examine products without staff assistance, which can lead to several challenges:
Increased staff involvement at product displays: Retail teams must spend more time assisting customers to access locked items, diverting resources from other tasks
Potential lost sales: Shoppers may be discouraged by the additional wait time or the perceived inconvenience of needing staff to unlock products
Frustrated customers: Modern shoppers expect seamless, interactive experiences in-store. Products that cannot be handled freely can negatively impact their perception of the brand and reduce engagement
The HangSell Tag addresses these issues directly. By allowing customers to handle and pick up products while still providing strong theft deterrence, HangSell ensures that both security and customer experience are optimised. The tag remains securely attached to products until removed at the checkout, making it a practical solution for busy retail environments.
How HangSell Tags Work
HangSell Tags are simple to implement and compatible with either AM and RF EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) systems, making them versatile for various retail setups. The process is straightforward:
- Display: Attach the HangSell tag to the product using the prong clip, ensuring the white circle faces forward for clear visibility. This signals the product is protected and reinforces a professional, organised presentation
- Customer Interaction: Shoppers can freely pick up, examine, and handle products without needing assistance. This promotes engagement and increases the likelihood of purchase
- Checkout: Staff remove the tag at the point of sale, maintaining security without compromising convenience
Additionally, HangSell Tags are reusable and scalable. Retailers can easily redeploy tags across product lines, making them a cost-effective long-term solution for loss prevention
Proven Anti-Theft Results
Retail trials highlight the effectiveness of HangSell Tags in real-world scenarios. For example, a New Zealand-based big-box retailer implemented HangSell in a high-risk display area and reported significant outcomes:
- Reduced shrinkage: Theft rates dropped in the tested category, demonstrating the tag’s deterrent capability
- Positive staff feedback: Employees found HangSell Tags easy to use, efficient, and reliable
- Sales stability: Unlike with traditional anti-sweep locks, customer handling of products was not restricted, so sales performance remained steady
This combination of reduced theft, improved staff workflow, and maintained sales makes HangSell an ideal solution for high-value retail categories, particularly in health and beauty where products are small, portable, and often targeted by thieves
Ideal Retail Environments for HangSell Tags
HangSell Tags are suitable for a wide range of retail settings that use prongs or hooks on slatwall or pegboard displays. These include:
Department stores: Cosmetic, personal care, and small accessory sections benefit from secure yet accessible displays
Chemists and pharmacies: Health, beauty, and over-the-counter products are often high-value and small, making them vulnerable to theft
Supermarkets: Targeted sections such as razors, beauty products, or premium health items can be protected efficiently
Stationery stores: Small, high-cost items like pens, markers, and gadgets can be secured without limiting customer interaction
Big-box retailers and hardware stores: Products that hang on peg hooks, such as small tools, accessories, or packaged consumables, can be safely displayed
HangSell Tags are particularly effective where theft risk is high but customer handling is crucial for sales. By allowing self-service access, they combine loss prevention with an enhanced shopping experience
The Advantages of HangSell Compared to Traditional Anti-Sweep Locks
The shift from anti-sweep locks to HangSell Tags is driven by both operational and customer-focused benefits:
- Customer Experience: HangSell encourages a frictionless shopping experience. Customers can engage with products without waiting for staff intervention, increasing satisfaction and likelihood of purchase
- Staff Efficiency: Retail teams spend less time unlocking products and more time on customer service, merchandising, and other value-added tasks
- Scalability: HangSell Tags are reusable and work across multiple product lines, making them a cost-effective long-term investment
- Versatility: Compatible with both AM and RF EAS gates, HangSell Tags integrate seamlessly with existing store security infrastructure
- Proven Results: Retailers report measurable reductions in shrinkage without negatively impacting sales, making HangSell a reliable solution for modern loss prevention challenges
The Future of Retail Loss Prevention
As the retail landscape evolves, loss prevention solutions must balance security with a high-quality shopping experience. The trend is clear: retailers in Australia and New Zealand are prioritising shopper-friendly solutions that do not compromise on security. HangSell Tags fit this need perfectly. They are especially suited to categories prone to theft, such as cosmetics, personal care, small electronics, and high-value convenience items
By moving away from traditional anti-sweep locks, retailers are able to maintain strong loss prevention practices while supporting a seamless and engaging customer journey. This dual benefit is critical in an era where customer experience can directly influence brand loyalty and revenue
Bottom Line
For retailers looking to protect high-risk items while keeping customers engaged, HangSell Tags represent the smarter choice. By enabling self-service handling, reducing staff intervention, and integrating with existing EAS infrastructure, HangSell Tags deliver a modern, practical solution for loss prevention
Retailers across department stores, pharmacies, supermarkets, stationery outlets, big-box retailers, and hardware stores are already making the shift, recognising the benefits for both their operations and their customers
Not sure which Retail Security and Loss Prevention solution is right for your store? Contact us today and we will help specify the best anti-theft products to protect your high-value items while improving the customer experience.
