In Spain, retailers continue to face a silent yet persistent problem: shrinkage. Each year, more than €2.817 billion disappear, a figure equivalent to approximately 1.1% of the sector’s turnover. Theft remains the main cause, accounting for 77% of the total: 59% linked to external theft and 18% to internal theft, while the rest stems from operational errors or supplier-related fraud.
Most thefts occur on the sales floor, and repeat offences are particularly concerning: one in every two shoplifters has stolen products on three or more occasions during the past year. Among the key findings of the latest study conducted by Niq and Checkpoint Systems is the constant increase in the price of olive oil, which for the first time tops the ranking of the most stolen items, cited by 81% of retailers. This is followed by tinned goods, smoked products and cold cuts, identified by 69% of those surveyed.
Although the majority of establishments already use anti-theft gates, CCTV, reinforced display cases or product tagging systems, theft methods continue to evolve, making enhanced prevention an essential component of commercial protection.
For this reason, at Carttec Group we promote technological solutions that help reduce losses, improve staff safety and ensure a smooth, safe and efficient shopping experience. Among these, CartControl and Purchek stand out as systems specifically designed to respond to the needs posed by theft in supermarkets and hypermarkets.
CartControl prevents trolleys from leaving the designated parking area, indoors or outdoors, by locking their wheels before they cross the authorised perimeter. Purchek, meanwhile, stops any trolley—whether empty or loaded with products—from exiting the store without having passed through the checkout. Both devices contribute directly and effectively to limiting shrinkage and strengthening operational security without compromising customer convenience.
At Carttec, we are convinced that every euro protected today helps consolidate your business’s stability and competitiveness tomorrow.