Whispering soft nothings to the shop thief: How ‘Reinforcement Messaging’ works

Abstract

“Reinforcement Messaging” is an anti‐shoptheft system now being marketed in the UK; it broadcasts near‐subliminal messages over a store's public address system exhorting shoppers to act honestly. The system is expected to be installed in several major outlets early this year. Reinforcement Messaging has been well received in the States where it is claimed to have achieved a measure of success. The suppliers in this country say that it is “completely open, unobtrusive, non‐threatening and legal”. Will it work here? Only time will tell.

Citation

Carter, R. (1986), "Whispering soft nothings to the shop thief: How ‘Reinforcement Messaging’ works", Retail and Distribution Management, Vol. 14 No. 1, pp. 36-39. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb018294