Customer Stories
Safer stores. More confident teams. Real results.
Every retail environment is different, but the challenges are often familiar — repeat theft, staff safety concerns, time-consuming incident reporting and the pressure placed on frontline teams.
See how retailers are using WatchGuard to help create safer stores, respond more effectively to incidents and give their teams greater confidence.
Stirling Sports
There was a time in my store where I was sleeping on the shop floor. That's not an exaggeration — I'd had so many break-ins that I couldn't leave the place empty overnight. You stop thinking like a retailer and start thinking like a night guard. My family barely saw me, and my team were turning up in the morning not knowing what they'd walk into.
Putting WatchGuard in changed that almost overnight. We haven't had a single burglary since. What I didn't expect was how much it changed the feel of the store during the day. My staff aren't looking over their shoulders, they're actually serving customers again. Parents come in with their kids and it's just a sports shop, the way it should be.
I sleep in my own bed now. If you'd told me a few months ago that would be the outcome, I'd have taken it in a heartbeat.
“My staff aren’t looking over their shoulders, they’re actually serving customers again. Parents come in with their kids and it’s just a sports shop, the way it should be.”
Suraj, Owner
Stirling Sports Upper Hutt
Vapemart
We installed WatchGuard after being robbed. Since then, nothing — no attempts, no incidents. Whatever it is about knowing the store is properly covered, it seems to travel.
The one that sticks with me was smaller. A customer paid for part of their order and walked out with the rest unpaid. Not a violent thing, just one of those situations you'd normally write off and be annoyed about for a week. Next time they came in, the system flagged them straight away. We had a quiet, polite word, they settled up, and that was the end of it.
That's what I'd tell other retailers. It's not only about the big scary stuff. It's the everyday losses you'd otherwise just absorb.
“My staff aren’t looking over their shoulders, they’re actually serving customers again. Parents come in with their kids and it’s just a sports shop, the way it should be.”
Gulpreet, Owner
Vapemart Miramar
Unichem The Palms Pharmacy
Theft has been an ongoing frustration for us. Pharmacy retail is a bit different — the floor is busy, staff are often behind the dispensary, and by the time someone notices something's gone, there's no realistic way to follow it up.
The difference WatchGuard has made was clearest the first time we needed to file a Police 105 report. What used to be a long, fiddly job — pulling footage, exporting it, trying to write a useful description — was done in a fraction of the time, with imagery attached that was actually worth submitting. For a team that's already stretched, getting that time back matters.
We're now looking at the recognition side for our regular prescription customers who choose to opt in. If we know an opted-in customer has walked in before they reach the counter, we'll be able to have their script ready and get them on their way. A lot of the people we see are unwell, elderly, or just trying to squeeze a pickup into a lunch break. Anything that shortens that wait will be a genuine win for them.
“For a team that’s already stretched, getting that time back matters.”
Lizzie & Andy, Owners
Unichem The Palms
Welly Collective
Theft has been an ongoing frustration for us. Pharmacy retail is a bit different — the floor is busy, staff are often behind the dispensary, and by the time someone notices something's gone, there's no realistic way to follow it up.
The difference WatchGuard has made was clearest the first time we needed to file a Police 105 report. What used to be a long, fiddly job — pulling footage, exporting it, trying to write a useful description — was done in a fraction of the time, with imagery attached that was actually worth submitting. For a team that's already stretched, getting that time back matters.
We're now looking at the recognition side for our regular prescription customers who choose to opt in. If we know an opted-in customer has walked in before they reach the counter, we'll be able to have their script ready and get them on their way. A lot of the people we see are unwell, elderly, or just trying to squeeze a pickup into a lunch break. Anything that shortens that wait will be a genuine win for them.
“The pressure this has taken off the full team is invaluable.”
Libby, Owner
Welly Collective
Interested in learning more about how WatchGuard can transform your retail security?
Contact us today to schedule a demo or speak to a representative.
Get in touch
29 Earthmover Crescent, Burbush, Hamilton.
E: info@watchguard.net.nz
P: 027 327 6276