Empty shelves, rising prices, and heightened tension — a clear warning to retailers. As product shortages worsen due to tariffs, securing your store with visible deterrents like EAS systems is more critical than ever.

In the wake of the 2025 tariff escalation, the U.S. economy is now facing a dual crisis:

Empty shelves and skyrocketing prices on essential and holiday goods,
Desperation-driven increases in shoplifting and theft.

From farms to toy stores to Christmas suppliers, businesses across the country are already canceling orders, laying off workers, and bracing for shortages heading into the critical holiday season. Unfortunately, one predictable side effect of scarcity and higher prices is a sharp spike in retail theft — and the time to prepare is running out fast.

📈 Why Retail Theft Is About to Surge

Several converging factors make a major rise in shoplifting almost inevitable over the next six months:

Sparse shelves: As toy stores, clothing retailers, and even grocery chains struggle to secure inventory, shoppers will find fewer options — making high-demand goods an even bigger target for theft.
Desperation: With unemployment rising in agriculture, manufacturing, and small retail, some individuals will turn to stealing even basic necessities.
Sky-high prices: Tariffs of 145% on imported goods (especially from China) will force retailers to raise prices by 50% to 100% on key items like toys, electronics, clothing, and even holiday decorations. These high prices will drive more "grab and go" thefts.
Weakened store security: Retailers that fail to upgrade their loss prevention systems now may find it impossible to buy the needed equipment later, as security products themselves will be affected by the same shipping, manufacturing, and tariff issues.

🔒 Why Investing in EAS Security Systems (AM and RF) Is Critical Right Now

If you operate any kind of physical retail store — whether it's clothing, electronics, toys, sporting goods, or even small specialty shops — the security measures you put in place TODAY could make the difference between survival and shutdown later this year.

Here's why:

1. Demand for EAS Systems Will Outstrip Supply

Just like toys and holiday goods, Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) AM and RF systems, along with security tags, detachers, and label deactivators, are primarily manufactured overseas.
With global shipping slowing, Chinese factories disrupted, and 145% tariffs in place, there will soon be a critical shortage of new EAS security equipment.

If you wait until theft is already surging, you may find there’s nothing left to buy.

2. Security Tags and Accessories Will Be Harder to Replenish

Hard tags, soft labels, lanyards, detachers — all of these essential accessories rely on international supply chains that are already under stress.
If your store runs out of tags or deactivators, your installed system becomes far less effective.
Stockpiling spare tags and parts now is crucial to maintaining security throughout 2025.

3. Professional Installation Availability Will Shrink

Installation teams for EAS systems may become overbooked as more retailers realize late in the year that they need urgent protection.
Scheduling an installation early ensures you’ll have full system coverage before theft peaks around the back-to-school and holiday seasons.

🚨 What Retailers Should Do Immediately

Buy and install EAS AM or RF security systems now — before shortages hit.
Stock up on security tags, labels, and detachers while inventory is still available at reasonable prices.
Upgrade older systems that may not provide wide coverage or reliable tag detection.
Train staff on security protocols to maximize your system’s effectiveness during high-risk months.
Plan inventory controls carefully to avoid high-dollar loss on high-demand products.

🛡️ Protect Your Store Before the Surge

Every economic indicator points to a historic rise in theft risk for the second half of 2025.
With empty shelves, higher prices, and increased desperation, organized retail crime (ORC) and everyday shoplifting will become much harder to control without strong preventive measures.

An EAS security system is no longer a "nice to have" — it’s a survival tool.

👉 Don’t wait.
👉 Secure your store now.
👉 Invest in EAS AM or RF systems, stock your tags, and be ready before the real crisis begins.

Need Help Selecting the Right System?

If you’re unsure what type of system you need — AM or RF, how many tags, or what coverage is right for your store —
Contact us today.
We’ll walk you through the options and help you secure your business before supplies dry up.