If you were handed £20,000 to improve your business, what would you do? Invest in a flashy marketing campaign, create eye-catching signage, or perhaps hire extra staff? For Natalie and Martin Lightfoot, owners of Londis Solo Convenience in Glasgow, the choice was clear: secure their store.
The couple, crowned national winners at Allwyn’s first Local Retail Champions awards, received a £20,000 makeover alongside a £5,000 cash prize. While some might have been tempted to use the funds for outward-facing enhancements, the Lightfoots took a different route, putting security at the heart of their plans.
In an era where shoplifting incidents are surging and costing UK retailers billions each year, store safety has become more than just an addition; it’s a lifeline. Recognising this, Natalie and Martin Lightfoot channelled their prize money into initiatives that prioritise security.
They equipped their team with headsets to improve staff communication, allowing for quicker responses to in-store situations. They also replaced an outdated, pixelated CCTV system with a modern alternative, ensuring clearer and more reliable monitoring.
The Lightfoots’ decision reflects a growing trend across the retail industry, where the focus is shifting towards safety as shoplifting incidents continue to rise.
Recent data reveals a 20% increase in shoplifting offences in England and Wales, with over 516,000 incidents recorded in 2024—the highest since records began. Retail theft now costs UK businesses an estimated £2.2 billion annually, a figure that has prompted many retailers to invest heavily in crime prevention measures.
Despite allocating £1.8 billion towards safety and security last year, many businesses still find themselves grappling with the financial and operational impact of theft. The British Retail Consortium highlights this as a critical issue, with incidents averaging over 55,000 per day in the UK alone.
For Natalie and Martin Lightfoot, the decision to focus on security wasn’t just about protecting their store; it was about creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone who walks through their doors. As retailers across the country face rising challenges, their approach offers a valuable lesson: in today’s retail landscape, safety is not just an expense—it’s an investment in the future.
With shoplifting and retail theft on the rise, it’s more critical than ever to prioritise revenue protection and store safety.
Serve Legal offers expert revenue protection audits tailored to help retailers identify vulnerabilities and implement effective safeguards. For more information, contact our team today. Get in touch!