Retailers widen security role beyond loss prevention

Genetec has released retail findings from its 2026 State of Physical Security Report, showing that retailers are expanding the role of physical security beyond loss prevention.

The survey found that retailers are using security data to support operations, staff safety and infrastructure upgrades, alongside traditional store security tasks. The results point to a broader expectation that security teams will contribute to wider business decisions.

More than 60% of retailers said improving operational efficiency within the security department was a primary objective for security data. The same proportion said improving safety and security was a top priority.

Compliance was cited by 55% of respondents as a key use for security data. Nearly half, 48%, said they use that information to improve the customer and employee experience.

Modernisation focus

The findings suggest many retailers are focusing first on ageing systems rather than rushing into large-scale technology expansion. Physical security infrastructure was identified by 40% of respondents as one of the biggest operational challenges facing their organisations.

Training and upskilling staff followed at 38%. Attracting and hiring talent was named by 37% of respondents, while 33% pointed to ageing IT infrastructure.

These constraints appear to be shaping a more gradual approach to upgrades. Rather than replacing entire estates at once, many retailers are pursuing staged modernisation that builds on existing systems.

That approach is also reflected in priorities for the period ahead. Some 54% said they plan to use existing technology to address new challenges, while 51% intend to use AI to streamline security processes.

A further 48% said they plan to assess new security systems for specific use cases. The figures suggest retailers are weighing targeted investment against the cost and disruption of broader replacement programmes.

Changing role

The report adds to evidence that physical security is being treated less as a standalone loss prevention function and more as part of day-to-day business management. In retail, where store estates can be large and operating conditions vary widely, that can mean using security systems for oversight, compliance and workforce support alongside incident response.

The emphasis on getting more from existing systems also comes as businesses face pressure to control spending while maintaining safe environments for staff and customers. Ageing infrastructure and recruitment pressures can complicate those efforts, particularly for retailers managing multiple sites.

Scott Thomas, National Director for Signature Brands at Genetec, said the findings showed a broader reassessment of the role security can play in retail organisations.

"Physical security is becoming a strategic business asset for retailers, extending well beyond traditional loss prevention. The retailers that will see the greatest return on their security investments are those that treat modernisation as an ongoing strategy rather than a one-time project. By building on existing infrastructure while introducing new capabilities, they can adapt to changing business needs without sacrificing the value of past investments," Thomas said.

The retail findings were drawn from responses from retail professionals worldwide. Genetec sells physical security software and related systems used by businesses, governments and public sector organisations.

The results indicate that while interest in AI and analytics is rising, retailers are still dealing with basic operational issues across their security and IT estates. For many, the immediate task is to make older systems more useful and easier to manage before committing to wider change.

That balance between modernisation and continuity is visible throughout the report. Retailers are showing interest in new tools, but most appear to be prioritising practical use of current investments, workforce readiness and selected upgrades over wholesale replacement.