Shrink Management Overview
Effective shrink management involves accurate stocktakes, robust auditing, correct product protection, diligent waste validation, and loss prevention awareness. This section provides access to key resources and guides.
Stocktake & Audits
Stocktakes are crucial for determining stock position, shrink, and updating stock records. The Store Manager is accountable for ensuring the stocktake is well-planned and executed accurately.
View Full Stocktake Guide (Google Doc)
Key Process Summary:
- Prep (-4 to -1 Weeks): Store Specific Comms, Pre-count document review, LP Stocktake Call, Weekly Google Form submissions (photos required). Warehouse prep, capping shelf sorting, waste/markdown clearance are critical.
- Count Week: Final Google Form submission. Execute Wall-to-Wall count according to schedule provided by Count Supervisor.
- Post-Count (+1 to +7 Days): Complete daily Prompted Counts (up to 50 checks on >£200 variances) via HHT by 9:45am. Await results communication (+3 Days). Complete Action Plan based on results (+7 Days).
- Key Resources: Utilise Cutover document, Google Form, What Good Looks Like standards (linked in full guide).
Ref: Operational Guidance Stocktake 2025
This audit assesses compliance with Loss Prevention standards. It's typically a 90-minute assessment aiming for an 85%+ pass mark.
View Full Q3 Audit Guide (Google Slides)
Key Q3 Focus Areas/Changes Summary:
- New - Shrink 8: Yard bin security (padlock/key control), correct waste bag usage, no food waste in skips, visible waste recorded.
- New - Online 2 (Unmarked): Amazon Driver ID check process (Amazon stores), Immediacy bag sealing/content visibility check (Immediacy stores).
- Updated - Protection 4 (Meat): Aligned wording with latest product protection guidance.
- Updated - Unknown Loss 6: Clearly identifiable waste areas (Fresh/Frozen/Ambient), pre-validation area checks, separate/tidy validated waste.
- Fail Points Added (Unknown Loss 6): No overspill waste in other areas; TGTG bags checked & waste recorded correctly.
- Removed: Protection 9 (Shelf edge POS); Security 6 (Smart gates).
Use the Self Assessment Platform to prepare. Action plans due within one week post-audit.
Ref: Q3 Shrink & Cash Loss Audit Slides
Product Protection & Waste Management
Correct product protection is essential. Always refer to the latest guidance for specific items.
View Full Tagging Guide (Google Slides)
General Principles Summary:
- Use appropriate tags (Soft Tag, Pin Tag, Spider Wrap, Safer Case, Bottlelox/Net/UFO) based on product type and value thresholds (check guide).
- Commonly tagged areas: H&B (£10+), GM (£10+/£15+/£30+ thresholds), BWS (£12+ wine, all Spirits/Champagne), High-Value Meat (£5+ joints/steaks - Yellow Soft Tag), Vapes.
- Source Tagged items generally don't need additional tags unless specified.
- Ensure tags don't obscure essential product info. Apply securely but without damaging product.
- Use Restricted Fill Extenders for high-theft lines where applicable.
- No high-value/protected stock on Capping Shelves.
- Manage Tag Recycling containers at checkouts/trolley stations.
Ref: Pocket Tagging Guide - April 2025
Accurate waste recording and timely markdowns are crucial for shrink control.
View Full Waste & Markdown Guide (Google Slides)
Key Principles Summary:
- Use Mobile Device for all waste/markdown actions.
- Follow correct markdown timings (generally 7pm day before expiry / 5pm day of expiry - see guide for exceptions).
- Use correct Waste Reason Codes.
- Process waste accurately (scan product/QR code).
- Utilise Too Good To Go and Colleague Collection where applicable (follow specific guidance).
- Handle Charity Waste correctly (approved items, logging, storage).
- Segregate waste types correctly (Food Waste pallet, General Waste, Recycling).
- Manage Damaged Stock / Split Packs according to process (Repair Station, correct wasting).
- Clearance Bays: Keep tidy, correctly labelled, action promptly.
Ref: Waste & Markdown Operating Guidance - June 2024
Loss Prevention Focus
- **Emergency/Immediate Threat:** Dial 999 first, then LP Control Room.
- **LP Control Room (0345 611 6711):** Report major incidents - Robbery, Burglary, Aggravated Theft, Serious Assaults, Major Disorder, Data Breaches, significant cash loss (>£1k), large scale theft (>10 trolleys).
- **MySecurity App (Tablet):** Report standard incidents - Shoplifting, ASB, Drive Offs, Trolley Theft (<9), Policy Breaches, safety concerns.
- **Retail Support Centre (Option 2 for LP):** General LP queries, advice.
- **Your Regional LP Manager:** For ongoing issues, trends, advice, support. (See Contacts Page)
- **Staff Checks (Dymension):** Ensure regular checks are completed and recorded accurately. Follow up failures.
- **Cash Handling:** Adhere to all cash office procedures, till handling limits, safe procedures. Investigate discrepancies promptly.
- **Product Protection:** Apply tags correctly as per guide. Ensure EAS gates are operational.
- **Receiving Goods:** Check deliveries accurately, report shortages/damages via correct process. Secure back door areas.
- **Refunds/Voids:** Follow correct procedures, require authorisation where necessary. Monitor via dashboards.
- **Awareness:** Be vigilant for suspicious activity, scams, internal theft indicators. Report concerns.
Refer to specific guides (Cash Office, Front End, Stocktake etc.) and the Think Shrink toolkit for detailed procedures.