Checkpoint Systems, a leading global supplier of merchandise availability solutions for the retail industry, today announced that it has been partnering with DECATHLON, the second largest global sports and leisure goods retailer, to roll-out radio frequency identification (RFID) solutions in more than 400 stores globally and further extend its RFID source tagging program for millions of products in all its stores around the world.

Checkpoint will deliver RFID labels to DECATHLON in five days through its network of service bureaus around Asia and Europe. The service, which complies with DECATHLON requirements for high-speed and high-quality printing, as well as corporate and environmental social responsibility, ensures that 100 percent of RFID labels delivered to vendors are encoded accurately.

DECATHLON’s RFID source tagging program enables items to arrive in store shelf-ready, freeing employees from manually checking deliveries or applying labels to merchandise before they reach the shop floor. Source tagging, which involves electronic article surveillance (EAS) or RFID labels being applied to products during the manufacturing process, is helping retailers boost profitability through improved efficiency.

DECATHLON has already installed Checkpoint’s dual-mode EVOLVE Exclusive E10 Radio Frequency (RF)- and RFID-based antennas in 19 countries, while carrying out an extensive RFID source-tagging program, as well as implementing Alpha High Theft Solutions to protect high-risk merchandise.

The key challenge for DECATHLON was to improve its inventory visibility while enhancing its in-store loss prevention capabilities. DECATHLON tested Checkpoint’s unique Wirama Radartechnology and found that it delivered the required performance. By identifying the location and direction of movement of a tagged item in-store, Wirama Radar can distinguish whether an item is simply merchandised near the exit or potentially being stolen. As a result, the retailer is able to identify exactly the merchandise that is potentially being stolen.

Per Levin, President and Chief Sales Officer for Shrink Management & Merchandise Visibility Solutions for Checkpoint Systems, said: “Reducing out-of-stocks is critical for retailers to compete and win in today’s challenging retail environment. With RFID-based EAS, DECATHLON reduces shrink and gains real-time insight into merchandise status to make real-time business decisions that drive new sales opportunities.”