Retail solutions typically consist of a combination of video surveillance and access control.

Primary coverage consists of cameras covering the point-of-sale area for the purpose of monitoring transactions, and customer identification. Identification may be augmented by the addition of close-up cameras on the main entry door(s).

Secondary coverage includes wide-angle views of the sales floor to watch for shoplifting. Monitoring often includes these cameras or a main-door identification camera displayed noticeably for the public, to show that they are under surveillance and thus deter criminal activities.

Finally, access control uses magnetic or electric door locks controlled by a hidden button at the point-of-sale to remotely seal the main doors for employee safety, or to prevent the escape of a shoplifter. (Local fire regulations may require the addition of a manual emergency-exit button, or a lock override tied into motion sensor or smoke detector.)