Story Details
- The store is Girish’s Premier (Barmulloch) in Barmulloch, Glasgow. (Convenience Store)
- The store installed an AI‑powered age‑verification system from MyCheckr (supplied by Innovative Technology). The device sits at the entrance to the store’s alcohol “beer cave”. (The Grocer)
- How it works: the system uses face‑age estimation to judge whether a customer appears over 25. If the system estimates the customer is over 25, the door opens automatically; if not, it remains closed and staff receive an alert via the MyConnect app to carry out manual ID check. (The Grocer)
- Since installation, the store reports zero incidents of theft from its beer cave. The owner states that the visible device acts as a deterrent, and that it has helped relieve staff burden and improve customer experience. (The Grocer)
- Additionally, the store is trialling further AI‑driven systems by Retail‑AI that use CCTV plus audio warnings to detect underage customers entering alcohol zones, and to detect suspicious behaviour for anti‑theft purposes. (Convenience Store)
- Example quote from the store owner:
“The MyCheckr device at the entrance to the beer cave adds a new layer of security to our store… Not only does it reinforce age restrictions … but it also acts as a strong deterrent to potential shoplifters.” (The Grocer)
Case Study: Implementation & Impact
Background & Challenge
- The convenience store faced two key issues: underage access to alcohol (“beer cave” area) and shoplifting (especially alcohol) in its convenience format. The owner noted increasing concerns about staff safety when refusing sales and the vulnerability around age‑checking. (Asian Trader)
- Traditional methods (manual ID check, staff judgement) were prone to human error, fatigue, intimidation, and inconsistent enforcement. A more reliable, tech‑enabled solution was sought. (The Grocer)
Solution
- Installation of the MyCheckr age‑verification system: a kiosk or entrance gate device that estimates age via camera, gives green/red indication, alerts staff remotely via app when manual check is required.
- Integration with store layout: the age device is placed at the store’s alcohol area door (“beer cave”), thus controlling access to high‑risk product area.
- Trial of additional AI systems: Retail‑AI’s CCTV/audio package that triggers audio warnings when under‑25s enter restricted zone, or when unusual behaviour is detected (anti‑theft module). (Convenience Store)
Results
- Zero reported theft incidents from the beer cave since the MyCheckr system was installed. (The Grocer)
- Staff time freed up: fewer manual age‑checks for eligible (over‑25) customers; fewer confrontations with younger customers; improved workflow. (The Grocer)
- Deterrent effect: The visible presence of the age‑device reportedly dissuades potential shoplifters from targeting the alcohol area once aware of monitoring. (The Grocer)
- Improved compliance and customer experience: The store owner said that for customers over 25, access is seamless (door opens automatically), enhancing service. At the same time, it reinforces responsible retailing. (The Grocer)
Observations
- The technology addresses both age verification and theft prevention in one system/location.
- The real‑time alert and gate‑control mechanism means that instead of reacting after theft, the store is preventing it during.
- Integration of app alerts allows staff to focus on service rather than constant surveillance.
Commentary & Strategic Insights
Why this is important
- Convenience stores face significant pressure from shoplifting, underage sales, staff safety, and regulatory compliance. An integrated tech solution addresses multiple pain points.
- The visible technology acts as a deterrent – not just detection. When potential offenders recognise monitoring and gate control, they may abandon their attempt.
- For staff, it shifts from manual enforcement (which can lead to conflict) to assisted enforcement, improving safety and morale.
- For customers, streamlining the access for legitimate purchasers (over‑25) improves experience – potential competitive advantage.
- Age verification and theft prevention often treated separately; combining them increases ROI and operational effectiveness.
Strengths of the approach
- Real‑time, automated decision‑making reduces reliance on staff judgment in stressful situations.
- The integration of camera + alert system + gate means the system is embedded into the shopping environment rather than an add‑on.
- The case presenter has quantifiable result (zero theft in the beer cave) which gives a strong proof‑point.
- Compliance benefit: helps with responsible retailing, age‑restricted product policy, regulatory risk mitigation.
Challenges and considerations
- Accuracy and bias: Age‑estimation tech must be accurate across demographics to avoid false positives (denying legitimate customers) or false negatives. Potential legal or reputational risk if mis‑identification occurs.
- Privacy concerns: While the system reportedly does not do full facial recognition but age‑estimation, customers may still be uneasy about cameras and data. GDPR / local regulation must be addressed.
- Cost vs scale: Tech installation, integration, training, maintenance cost – smaller convenience stores must evaluate ROI and ongoing cost.
- Scope: The device covers the alcohol “beer cave” entrance – theft may occur elsewhere (other products) so store must ensure holistic security. The anti‑theft AI module is being trialled but not yet widely deployed.
- Local adoption and staff training: Staff must feel confident and understand the system; devices alone do not guarantee behavioural change. The store owner emphasised the need to reduce staff burden and make access seamless.
- Interference with customer experience: If the system mis‑fires and delays or frustrates legitimate customers, it could impact service perception.
Best Practice Lessons for Other Retailers
- Pinpoint high‑risk areas (e.g., alcohol sections, valuable goods) and implement tech‑gated access to those zones.
- Use visible tech as a deterrent: make sure customers know the area is controlled.
- Combine age‑verification and anti‑theft capabilities where possible for dual benefit.
- Ensure staff support and training: technology should assist staff, not replace them; staff must understand escalation processes.
- Monitor outcomes: track theft incidents, staff time saved, customer experience, false‑positives/negatives. Use data to refine system calibration.
- Consider integration with other systems (CCTV, alarms, audio warnings) to deliver layered security, not just a single device.
- Communications: Let customers know of responsible retailing and compliance measures—this can enhance brand/trust.
- Scale‑appropriately: For smaller retail stores evaluate the cost/benefit and perhaps pilot before full roll‑out.
Final Summary
The Glasgow convenience store case demonstrates how digital/AI technology can shift age verification and theft prevention from manual, reactive work into automated, proactive systems. The use of an age‑verification gate coupled with app alerts and a separated alcohol zone has delivered measurable results (zero theft incidents in the target zone) and improved operational efficiency. For convenience retailers, especially in high‑risk product categories, this is a strong model of how tech can address multiple challenges at once.
Here’s a detailed case study along with commentary for the story of the Glasgow convenience store using innovative age‑verification and anti‑theft tech:
Case Study: Premier Girish’s @ Barmulloch, Glasgow
Background
- The store is located in Barmulloch, Glasgow. (Asian Trader)
- Owned by Girish Jeeva. (Convenience Store)
- The store had a traditional “beer cave” alcohol area and was facing challenges it described as increasing shoplifting/theft risk and the burden of age‑checking compliance. (The Grocer)
Solution
- They installed a camera‑based age‑verification device from MyCheckr (via Innovative Technology Ltd.) at the entrance of the beer cave. The system estimates whether a customer appears over 25; if yes, the door opens automatically, if no, it remains closed and staff are alerted. (The Grocer)
- In parallel, the store trialled an AI CCTV & audio solution from Retail‑AI which uses CCTV analytics and audio warnings to detect under‑age access, proxy purchasing risk, queue management, and anti‑theft behaviour. (Convenience Store)
Results
- Since installing the MyCheckr device, the store reports zero incidents of theft from the beer cave. (The Grocer)
- Staff time freed up: for over‑25 customers access is seamless; fewer confrontations; staff confidence in age‑checks improved. (The Grocer)
- The presence of the system acts as a deterrent: potential shoplifters reportedly reconsider once they observe the device. (The Grocer)
- The store was part of the trail/test for Retail‑AI’s modules (AgeSense, Proxy Purchasing, Q‑Bust) which help detect under‑25s, crowds, suspicious movement and make audio announcements. (Convenience Store)
Observations
- The technology addresses two problems at once: age verification (compliance) and theft prevention (loss reduction).
- The visible hardware (camera + gate) changes the “risk vs reward” calculus for potential shoplifters: higher perceived risk leads to fewer incidents.
- The store invests heavily in technology, signalling a broader operational strategy of using innovation to differentiate and protect. (Asian Trader)
Commentary & Strategic Insights
Why this matters
- Convenience stores face growing theft and compliance pressures; adopting automated systems shifts the burden from staff to technology, reducing risk, improving efficiency and enabling better service.
- Age‑verification tech in alcohol retail is not just regulatory but operational (fewer refusals, faster service for legitimate adults) and a deterrent to theft.
- Merging age‑check and anti‑theft capabilities in the same zone (beer cave) is efficient: you get compliance, loss prevention, staff safety benefits.
Strengths of the approach
- Clear results: zero incidents in theft zone reported — strong proof point for return on investment.
- Technology is integrated into the customer flow (entrance to beer cave) rather than an after‑fact surveillance system. That helps in preventing incidents rather than only detecting them.
- Use of analytics/AI rather than just brute-force security: e.g., Retail‑AI’s modules identify behaviour not just faces, which is more nuanced and future‑oriented.
- Staff empowerment: With technology handling the bulk of monitoring/alerts, staff can focus on customer service rather than constant vigilance.
Potential Challenges & Things to Watch
- Accuracy & fairness: Age‑estimation via camera must be accurate across demographics (skin tone, lighting, age cues) to avoid false positives (denying legitimate customers) or negatives (letting under‑age in). The store must monitor these.
- Privacy/ regulation: Any system using camera/AI must comply with GDPR and local data protection laws; even if no personal data stored (as claimed) there may be perception issues.
- Scope of theft: The technology addresses theft in a specific high‑risk zone (beer cave) but theft may occur elsewhere in the store; a holistic approach is needed.
- Cost vs scale: Implementation cost and training needs are non‑trivial; for smaller stores the ROI must be clear.
- Change‑management: Staff adoption, maintenance, tech reliability are crucial. If there are system failures or false alerts, credibility could be impacted.
Best‑Practice Lessons for Other Retailers
- Identify high‑risk zones (e.g., alcohol, premium liquor, cigarettes) and apply targeted tech controls rather than whole‑store blanket security.
- Use visible deterrents: The camera/gate system serves as a visible signal of surveillance — that changes behaviour of potential offenders.
- Combine compliance (age verification) with loss prevention for dual value.
- Measure and track outcomes (incident reduction, staff time saved, customer experience) to build business case.
- Ensure staff training and processes align: tech is an enabler, not a replacement for good retail practices.
- Monitor system performance and user feedback: e.g., false triggers, customer acceptance, maintenance issues.
- Have clear communication to customers: unseen tech is fine, but transparency (e.g., signage, friendly messaging) helps acceptance.
Final Summary
The Glasgow store case shows that innovative technology (camera‑based age verification, AI CCTV & audio) can deliver measurable benefits in age‑restricted retail: reducing theft, improving compliance, protecting staff, streamlining customer flow. For convenience retailers, especially those dealing with high‑risk categories like alcohol, such tech is becoming not just optional but strategic.
Success hinges not just on buying the tech but integrating it well: choosing the right zone, aligning staff and processes, monitoring results and scaling thoughtfully.