Convenience Store Uses Audio to Improve Business Operations

For many years convenience store owners have seen security systems as just that, a system in place to create a safer environment for customers and employees alike. Increasingly this mentality has been changing, with many business owners looking for added value in the solutions they choose– from operational intelligence to customer service insights. Adding audio security systems has proven itself as a popular method to both secure a store and reap additional benefits. 

Aside from addressing safety concerns, audio monitoring solutions provide a host of valuable features that allow retailers to gain a better understanding of customer-employee interactions to improve training and clarify incidents that may arise. 

OXXO is a Mexican chain of convenience stores, with over 18,000 locations across Latin America. It is the largest chain of convenience stores in the region. Its headquarters are in Monterrey, Nuevo León. It is wholly owned by the beverage company FEMSA (Fomento Económico Mexicano).

Louroe was introduced to OXXO on a U.S. Commercial Service safety and security trade mission in 2014. Shortly thereafter, Louroe partnered with OXXO to supply our Verifact® line of analog microphones to improve the convenience store security. In March 2018 OXXO installed Louroe’s solutions across 4,000 locations, with plans to expand use in as many as 16,000 total locations. 

The microphones were placed above point-of-sale terminals and integrated with surveillance cameras, enabling the transmission of both audio and video to remote monitoring centers for evaluation. The audio captured by Louroe’s Verifact A® is used as a tool by management to evaluate store operations and service initiatives, ensuring staff are upselling customers and boosting store sales. With a verbal record, OXXO staff now know when an employee shows exemplary service and uses sales best practices. Similarly, the system helps managers to identify employees who may need additional training. 

Interested in learning more? Check out our OXXO Case Study for a better understanding of how audio can improve retail security and operational efficiency.