What approach combines customer service with physical layout to deter theft?

The approach that combines customer service with physical layout to deter theft is most accurately described as preventative responses. This strategy focuses on designing a retail environment that not only enhances the shopping experience for customers but also incorporates elements that discourage theft.

By integrating customer service into the physical layout, businesses can create a more inviting atmosphere where employees are actively engaged with customers. This engagement can discourage potential shoplifters, as the presence of attentive staff makes stealing more difficult and risky. Additionally, careful arrangements of merchandise, clear sightlines, and strategically placed displays can enhance security by making it easier for both employees and customers to observe and monitor the area.

This approach is effective because it combines proactive customer service with the strategic design of the retail space, addressing theft from multiple angles. It is an important practice in loss prevention strategies that aims to create a safer shopping environment while maintaining customer satisfaction.