Retailer says technology helped deter more than nine in ten repeat offenders…
Sainsbury’s is expanding its use of facial recognition technology, with AI-powered cameras due to be installed in a further 150 stores before Christmas.
The announcement follows encouraging results from an initial trial in 55 stores, where Sainsbury’s says the technology prevented more than nine in ten identified repeat offenders from returning.
It added that the system achieves 99.98% accuracy, with every alert reviewed by a trained colleague before any action is taken.
The wider rollout comes several months after a customer was wrongly asked to leave a South London store after being incorrectly linked to the system. Technology provider Facewatch later confirmed there had been “no incidents or alerts” relating to the individual, while Sainsbury’s apologised and described the incident as the result of human error.
Sainsbury’s is one of a growing number of retailers adopting facial recognition technology, joining businesses including Budgens, Sports Direct, B&M and Home Bargains.
The expansion comes as Sainsbury’s also reported a positive start to its financial year, with total retail sales increasing by 2.7% to ÂŁ9.15 Billion during the 16 weeks to 20th June. Grocery sales rose by 3.6% whilst online grocery sales up 12.5%.
Facial recognition, AI-driven loss prevention and other emerging security technologies continue to be major talking points at Retail Risk events around the world. To find your nearest conference, visit the Retail Risk website.