January 26th, 2012 by Mike
 There was a time when retail was the de facto, gold standard, only-way-possible to get your products to market in order to satisfy demands of the consumer. Oh, how the times have changed! Recent reports confirm the effect of online shopping and consumer empowerment. The smartphone has created smarter shoppers (there are over 8 million smartphone users in the United States today – and that number is growing). The impact to retail is noticeable. While there is no indication of the need to batten down the hatches for rough seas ahead, it’s clear that Retailers need to assess their strategies to address this new paradigm. What will retail evolve to become in the years ahead? Who is charting the course for today’s successful Retailers that intend to write tomorrow’s success story?
Each year around this time Global Shop provides an opportunity for the best and the brightest to gather together to share concepts, learn of new developments and envision the future of retail. Now, with Global Shop 2012 only a few weeks away smart Retailers are making plans to attend this annual event in search of inspiration, innovation and insights. And to add some more excitement, GlobalShop 2012 will be a celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the show of shows for everything retail.
This year promises to be another milestone for us as it will be the first GlobalShop we attend as Vanguard Protex Global. What can you expect? Well, a visit to our booth would reveal the latest innovations in our patented power and alarm solutions for mobile devices, digital imaging, tablets and more. Of special note is the additional solutions we can offer as a result of our acquisition of Protex International – industry leading soft goods security solutions are now available through Vanguard!
So, while we are in full preparation mode for the show on February 29 – March 2 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, we wonder aloud about your interests and expectations for Global Shop 2012. What are you looking to get out of the show? What’s on your wish list and how are you preparing for the Future of Retail?
Tags: Events and Tradeshows, increase smartphone sales, mobile phone sales
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January 13th, 2012 by Lisa Harrison
 If you didn’t receive our emails and you didn’t read our blog “Lights, Camera, Daguerreotypes!” you may not know that Vanguard Protex Global attended PMA@CES this year. In January 2012 the Photo Marketing Association (PMA) teamed up with the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) to put on an event where innovation and technology thrive. Our team was on site for the duration of the show with a very specific mission; gather pertinent and innovative information for the New Year.
Vanguard Protex Global (VPG) offers a wide variety of retail security solutions to accommodate an ever expanding consumer electronics market. One of the benefits of working with VPG is our patented cord reel solution that powers AND secures your device. Digital cameras, cell phones, smartphones, laptops, netbooks, ultrabooks, tablets, GPS units and even the new “i’m Watch” can be protected, powered and displayed for the consumer to play with. (The i’m Watch is essentially a phone on your wrist. It works with the Android system via Bluetooth. Check it out by clicking here.) Our team was tasked with the responsibility to seek out the newest innovations and document what may be released over the next twelve months or so. This gives our customers an edge so that when the “i’m Watch” is finally released in the consumer retail market our engineering team can be a step ahead of the game in powering the device.
Some of the new gadgetry on display at this year’s show included; a new camera lineup from Canon, a Xyborg tablet from Motorola, a 3D camera from Panasonic, a phone/tablet hybrid from Samsung, a plethora of ultrabooks and a brand new trade show booth from VPG! We have learned a lot at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show. PMA@CES has offered up some great new innovations and we can’t wait until they hit the retail market. For more information about how to power and protect your gadgets give us a call at 877-477-4874 or click here to check out the VPG Volt system.
Tags: Camera and Camcorder Loss Prevention, cell phone retail security, CES 2012, Consumer Electronics Show, powering ereaders, retail security devices, smartphone retail security, Tablet Computer Retail Security
Posted in Camera and Camcorder Loss Prevention, Consumer Electronics Show, Product Security, Smartphone security, cell phone retail security, smartphone retail security | No Comments »
December 20th, 2011 by Lisa Harrison
 Where did the month of December go? Wasn’t it just Black Friday? Now it’s almost the New Year and we are fully immersed in the holiday season. Retail stores are packed with shoppers looking to pick up the last few items on their list. According to Robert Klara (staff writer for Adweek.com) if there are at least eleven people in that packed store, one of them is leaving with a five-finger discount. Over the past year $119 billion worth of merchandise was stolen from retailers around the world. The top three sectors affected were fashion apparel, health/beauty and home improvement. Electronics dealers, toy stores and jewelry stores were also on the list. The Center for Retail Research says this global shrink costs the average household approximately $200. Let’s restate that – shoplifters worldwide stole $200 from you last year.
This year the iPhone 4 is one of the top items lifted from retailers. Luckily there are ways for retailers to protect their merchandise and in turn protect your bottom line. How do I protect my product without locking it completely out of sight you ask? The answer is simple; you identify the high demand items and formulate a plan to protect them. The ideal plan usually consists of multiple security facets. Supermarkets and retail stores usually employ trained staff to increase customer service, all the while deterring theft. For instance, in comes the supermarket deli staff. They always greet you with a smile and insist you try the newest item on the sample tray. It’s pretty hard for a thief to escape with the filet mignon once they know they’ve been spotted. Similarly in the fashion category you have those tenacious sales clerks who follow you around asking if you need any help. They greet you this way for a reason; to let you know they have their eye on you. The fashion category adds another level of protection by using electronic article surveillance (EAS). Plastic tags or stickers are affixed to merchandise and if they leave the store without being deactivated an alarm will sound. These security methods allow the customer the ability to touch and feel the product before they purchase.
Research shows that consumers are more likely to buy if they can touch, feel and experience the product beforehand. This is especially true when talking about consumer electronics. Nowadays, it’s fun to go cell phone or tablet shopping because you get the chance to test drive multiple devices without having to commit to a purchase. Keep these devices powered up and safe from shoplifters by securing them with Vanguard’s Volt or Vital systems. VPG’s patented cord reel technology provides power and security for an attractive device presentation. Looking to protect your designer hand bags or high end sports apparel? Look no further! Since our merger with Protex International, VPG has been working diligently to re-release our soft good security solutions. Keep an eye out for new updates on our soft goods line in 2012!
Tags: anti shoplifting devices, anti theft security devices, anti theft security solutions, apple iphone retail security, cell phone retail security, Center for Retail Research, ereader product security, Holiday retail theft, iphone 4, iphone anti theft devices, loss prevention security solutions, Soft good security solutions
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November 30th, 2011 by Lisa Harrison
Since 1924 the Photo Marketing Association International (PMA) has been the key trade association in promoting the importance of marketing photofinishing and retailing services. They have updated their identity over the past 87 years to include everything from commercial imaging labs and custom frame shops to school, sports and event photographers. The industry has also changed identities over the years. We’ve come a long way since the very first “Camera Obscura,” literally translated from its Latin roots to mean dark room. Does anyone remember Daguerreotypes, calotypes or dry plates? I sure don’t, but I do remember the good ‘ole days of film. Of course today we have everything from digital cameras to cell phones that can capture our memories into a single image for print.
This year PMA will partner with the Consumer Electronics Association at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The show runs from Tuesday, January 10th to Friday, January 13th, 2012 and will feature keynote speakers from across the tech industry and a plethora of new gadgets for attendees to experience. One of the new gadgets rumored to be displayed at CES is Ricoh’s modular GXR camera which will feature the new 16 megapixel APS-C unit with 24-85mm lens. This interchangeable unit system has been streamlined into a compact size without sacrificing image quality. Talk about a cool modular camera!
Vanguard Protex Global will be attending PMA@CES this year to check out all these new cool gadgets in preparation to protect them and increase their sales in the retail environment. Our team will be located at booth number 72147 in Venetian Hall D at the Venetian Ballroom, Level 2. If you are going to be in Las Vegas in January we would love to see you! Please call 877-477-4874 to schedule an appointment with a VPG representative or click here for more information about Vanguard Protex Global and the International Consumer Electronics Show. What cool gadgets are you expecting to see this year at CES?
Tags: Camera and Camcorder Loss Prevention, increasing camera and camcorder sales, International Consumer Electronics Show, modular camera, Photo Marketing Association International, Tradeshow
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November 15th, 2011 by Lisa Harrison
Tis the season for a fully saturated marketplace full of new gadgets and design twists on established products. One of the new gadgets you will see on the shelves the year is the Amazon Kindle Fire. The first thing most consumers will notice about this new tablet is the $199 price tag (compared to the $499 price tag for an Apple iPad or Blackberry PlayBook). Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon.com, boasts that the price point is meant to represent a premium product at a non-premium price. The Fire’s 14.6 ounce weight, 7-inch vibrant color IPS screen, easy to hold size, solid construction and flawless access to Amazon’s growing database of digital media are a few more features that will entice buyers this holiday season. Tim Stevens of Engadget.com does a great job reviewing the new Kindle Fire. To take a virtual tour please click here. However, if you would prefer to investigate the device in person, please visit your local consumer electronics (CE) store. Check with local store staff before embarking on your adventure as the Fire was released just yesterday. Local store managers are busy assembling the Volt security solution system to power and secure the Kindle Fire for your exploration.
Tags: amazon kindle fire, anti shoplifting devices, ereader display, ereader loss prevention, ereader product security, loss prevention security solutions, media tablet anti theft alarms, powering ereaders, retail security devices, tablet computer security tethers, Volt security solution system
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October 28th, 2011 by Lisa Harrison
 When you think about the history of consumer electronics, names like Zenith, RCA, LG Electronics, Motorola, Apple, Vizio and Samsung immediately come to mind. In the not so distant past, four of those six companies were based in the United States. Up until the late 1990’s, the US consumer electronics industry was practically nonexistent. Today only two of the aforementioned companies are part of the US consumer electronics market – Vizio and Apple. Together they have led a resurgence with Apple leading the way.
Vizio and Apple use similar formulas for designing and manufacturing products. Concept and design completed in-house then outsource all manufacturing. The time it takes to concept, design and deliver a new product to the consumer electronics market is significantly lower that it was only a few years ago. Apple has had enormous success cannibalizing their own ideas and reinventing products with new innovative features. They have also led the way in predicting the needs and wants of consumers – single handedly regaining a piece of the consumer electronics marked for the United States.
Similarly, Vanguard Protex Global (VPG) is constantly reinventing and designing new products. For example, when a new iPhone or iPad is released, VPG concepts and designs new offerings to keep that product powered and secured before it even hits the display. VPG’s solutions are customizable and are designed to help lift sales by protecting products and enhancing the customer experience by providing retailers secured, powered and protected live demos. VPG’s new G5 tablet solution offers fast setups and easy change outs for quick product merchandising and remerchandising. This allows any customer to easily switch old models for the new ones with minimal setup and practically no down time. For more information about G5, click here.
Tags: anti shoplifting devices, anti theft security devices, anti theft security solutions, apple ipad, apple ipad 2, increase electronics sales, increasing retail sales, ipad loss prevention systems, ipad retail security
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September 28th, 2011 by Bryan Marks
 It was not too long ago when devices like a personal computer or cell phone were relevant for at least six months to a year. Even accessories like a cell phone case and charger would last for a couple of years. Today, technology is moving at such a fast rate that at the time a new device is released, the next two generations are right behind them ready to launch. Shoppers be ready – laptops, net books, tablets, e-readers, smart phones, GPS devices, Compact DSLRs, and Mini HD Camcorders are just a few devices where many share the same functions.
As a result, retailers have had to play roulette with what to put on the shelf and how much stock to inventory in an attempt to make educated guesses on what will move. Beyond just the inventory forecasting, just finding a place to display these new models in the store can be a challenge.
Logic would lead you to believe that with the merger of devices, meaning, your cell phone is everything but a blender – that the total amount of devices would be on the decline and retailers would have more space for display.
The reality is that just because categories like “point and shoot” cameras may be on the decline, there are 10 new devices for each discontinued item to replace them on the display. Interestingly enough, there are also more CE players today that are fighting to get that same shelf space as they expand into new categories.
Securing these devices can also be a challenge. The phones and cameras of today have new shapes, new sensors, new stick free surfaces, all of which present the display and security world with a constant test of finding new ways to secure them while still delivering the active consumer experience.
Swift to adapt to the speed of device launches, Vanguard Protex Global is consistently modifying our product lines to work with these products before they even hit the shelf. For years our engineers have worked directly with the CE manufacture to help expedite the process. As a result, we have always met our customer’s launch dates and made product updates as the devices changed.
One can only imagine what tomorrow’s devices will bring, but if today is any sign of the future, there is no slowing down for retailers or their display partners like Vanguard Protex Global.
Tags: anti shoplifting devices, anti theft security devices, anti theft security solutions, apple ipad, apple ipad 2, apple iphone retail security
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September 9th, 2011 by Mike
 OK, this may be “old news” to some, but excuse us, we’ve been a bit busy over here since our formation of Vanguard Protex Global in July.
It’s high time we tip our hat to one of our customers, Sprint. Sprint was recently recognized by the prestigious JD Power & Associates as the wireless carrier who provides the best overall customer buying experience. Way to go folks, a big shout out to Overland Park and to all of your locations nationwide…and to your web team, too! By receiving the highest ranking among full service providers in the JD Powers & Associates Wireless Purchase Experience study, Sprint demonstrated that a commitment to excellence has its reward. And we here at VPG couldn’t be more proud of their accomplishment. For three years now, it has been our good fortune to earn the ability to serve Sprint by providing to them the best anti-theft and merchandising solutions, along with the best customer service in the industry.
Is there such a thing as excellence by association? It’s time you to find out how VPG can contribute to your excellence. Wouldn’t a JD Power & Associates Award look good in your trophy case (or maybe a couple while you’re at it)?
Tags: anti shoplifting devices, anti theft security devices, cell phone retail security, increasing retail sales
Posted in Product Display, Product Security, Retail Loss Prevention, Retail Sales, Retail Securty Systems and Alarms | No Comments »
August 23rd, 2011 by Mike
 An old business axiom states that in order for your advertising to be effective, your message needs to be heard a minimum of three times. Don’t believe me? I submit one piece of evidence: Geico. Heard of them? But I digress. This is not a message about excessive advertising of insurance, beer or wireless carriers. This is a message about wireless charging.
In the past 24 months we have witnessed multiple instances of wireless charging poking its head into the Consumer Electronics tent. Palm (remember them?) introduced the Palm Pre that offered wireless, or inductive, charging - I’ll let consumer acceptance results speak for themselves, but I will blow our own horn for the way Vanguard Protex Global (nee Vanguard Products Group) developed a unique merchandising and anti-theft solution for our friends at Sprint in support of the Pre. Again, I digress…
At the heart of the Energizer Dual-Zone Inductive Charging Pad lies the Qi (pronounced “chi”) technology. Pretty slick. Place your device (five watts or less phone, iPod, camera) into the specially designed, Qi enabling, bulk creating case, drop it on the charging pad and presto! Your phone will go from a dead device to a fully charged, ready to take on the world communications tool in about three and a half hours! What?!? Read that last line back to me. Three and a half hours to charge your phone? Really? I guess it comes down to deciding what you like least – waiting or wires.
In the meantime, while your merchandising needs require that your CE devices receive the good old battery charging methods that have gotten us this far, you need to consider how to enlist Vanguard Protex Global for your next project. Who knows, maybe this inductive charging concept may become a standard one day. What do you think? Is inductive charging here to stay?
Tags: cell phone sales, increasing retail sales, mobile phone sales
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July 20th, 2011 by Mike
 The iPhone Rumor Mill Hey gang, what’s that bright spot on the horizon? Not trying to rush through the summer, but when you look towards September, do you notice a whole bunch of bright, shiny and new things? Is it the arrival of more jobs signaling the end of our country’s current economic woes? Nope folks, it’s nothing like that. It’s even better! Its 15 million iPhone 5’s shipping!!
Yep, that’s right 15 Million iPhone 5’s are heading our way – or let’s presume at least somewhere near us – but what does that really mean? Will the illustrious device from Apple take on a new shape? Will the real change take place under the hood (think iPhone 3 and iPhone 3s)? What, oh what, dear reader, could the folks in Cupertino have in mind for us? I’m asking. Really. Do you have any idea?
Let’s lay out some speculation and later on, we can see how we do once those 15 million iPhones set sail. Here’s my two cents: I’m leaning towards a larger screen surface, faster processor speeds, better battery life and a contoured form factor. We’ll check back on this post in September and see how well I did.
Regardless of what those Apple folks come up with, you all can rest assured that Vanguard Protex Global will be prepared. When the iPhone 5 hits the market, we’ll help retailers bring it to life with the best anti-theft and powering solution in the industry. Until then, what do you think the iPhone 5 will do differently than the iPhone 4?
Need to secure display CE products in your stores? Check out our retail security systems.
Tags: apple iphone retail security, iphone 4, iphone 5, iphone anti theft devices
Posted in Product Display, Product Security, Retail Securty Systems and Alarms, Smartphone security, iPhone Retail Security | No Comments »
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