IRONMONGERY & SECURITY
LOCK DOWN SECURITY SALES Knowing the latest trends and stocking the right security
measures can open up sales opportunities for merchants. A
s the UK faces a cost-of-living crisis, experts continue to predict changes in behaviours, including a possible increase in crime rates. During these turbulent times, it’s as important as ever for homeowners to ensure their home security is up to scratch.
"For a merchant, it’s important to keep on top of the changing crime statistics and the types of crimes which are becoming more prevalent. For example, vehicle theft continues to be on the rise across the UK, with a shortage of parts available," says Matt Claydon, head of trade at Yale UK.
"Any type of vehicle theft can have a huge impact on the victim, both financially and emotionally. And so having high level security in place can help to raise the alarm when there’s unusual activity, scare off any opportunistic vehicle thieves or capture any evidence." He says that security solutions which can be used to protect owners from vehicle theft are worth considering as part of a robust product portfolio. "For example, security cameras can be affixed to outside of the property and overlook where a vehicle is parked. A security camera, such as the Yale Floodlight Camera, will act as a deterrent and capture footage of any burglars trying to gain access to the vehicle or taking any of the parts, such as the catalytic converter." Having a work van stolen can have a detrimental effect on business operations. A study form Ironmongery Direct revealed Van theft has more than doubled in some UK regions over the last two years2, showing the importance of van security. Claydon says, therefore, that merchants should consider having van security products included in their product portfolio, such as a van lock. "When considering a van lock, either for merchants' own vans or as part of the product range, they should be designed to withstand the harshest
conditions and is corrosion resistant. Take our Yale Heavy-Duty Van lock, for example. It’s made of hardened steel for extra strength, tested to 10,000 cycles (opening and closing) and carriers 240 hours of corrosion resistance to ensure protection against extreme weather."
Bike theft
The rise in popularity of e-bikes also means a rise in thefts of e-bikes, which Claydon says are, apparently, three times more likely to be stolen than normal bicycles4.
"Bikes locks come in all varieties, and some are more suitable for certain style bikes, so stocking a wide range from High security U-bike lock to maximum security chain and lock, will ensure most requirements are covered. Locks specific to e-bikes are being developed and coming to market to meet the trend," he says.
Smarter security solutions Another particular area of growth in the smart home market is smart security, which has been growing at a considerable rate over the past few years, with more consumers realising the benefits of having a smart security in their homes. Claydon says that it’s not just the demand which has been growing, the types of products available on the market have also developed over the years. "From smart alarm systems, smart door locks and smart CCTV to smart floodlights and smart sensors, there’s something to suit all requirements. "Statistics revealed 52% of consumers would pay more for a smart product that improves the security of their home, which provides profitable opportunities for merchants and installers as we move into the new year."
He adds that, despite this growth in smart technology, there’s still some uncertainty around how secure smart home tech is. "Merchants need to know the latest developments in industry standards, which products meet the correct standards and what protection is provided across the Internet of Things (IoT). "The most recent standard for smart devices is the BSI Kitemark certification for smart home IoT devices. The recognisable BSI logo is a clear symbol to customers and end users that the product being installed is tested to the highest level. Having products with this standard in a product portfolio is a clear indication that you provide only the highest level of security products," he says.
December 2022
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
Secure with style
Homeowners want both a secure home and a stylish one. Claydon says that recent product designs have seen the increase in products being produced in black, both for door cylinders and hardware, smart door locks and security cameras. "Black is the second most popular smart door lock colour to be sold on YaleHome.
co.uk. For merchants, knowing the changing colour or style trends for products for the home can help when planning the security products and stock levels for the year ahead. Knowing black products are continuing to grow in popularity means you are prepared to meet this style demand.
"When it comes to merchants stocking up and preparing to meet the demands of customers in 2023, consider looking into what trends are going to affect the market, such as crime rates and advances in technology, and how the demands of consumers are changing as result," he says. BMJ
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