Combi-Track ~ History
Around the year 1984 small and larger retailers were already using electronic security tags. In that same year we were the first to introduce the revolutionary Kleurklem (Colour Tag) ink protection system. In 1989 we took the next step with the introduction of the Combi-Clip, a combination of ink protection and the existing electronic tag. After a successful trial at Vroom & Dreesmann, where 1.2 million Combi-Clips were fitted, the European roll-out continued at large chains such as Karstadt, KaDeWe, KiK, Marks&Spencer, Harrods, Galerie Lafayette, El Corte Ingles, Bijenkorf and many more. Presently some 64 million Combi-Clips are in use.
Naturally, (professional) shoplifters all over the world did not sit idle during those years and they managed to get hold of standardised magnet detachers, which they could use to easily remove virtually all types of electronic tags from clothing. In 1993 we responded by developing the Combi-Safe. As a result the detaching system is no longer standardised but each individual retail chain now has its own unique unlocking code. An extra security feature is the fact that in addition to the unique code an ultra strong magnet is needed to detach the ink lock.
Existing electronic security tags were often too large and clumsy for smaller and more delicate clothing such as lingerie. Especially in that particular sector, shoplifting would sometimes be as high as 10 or 20 percent of the total turnover. This is why, in 2002, we introduced the Combi-Clip Mini. This smallest item in the ink protection range is still used in all segments of the clothing industry including German discount store KIK (with more than 2,400 shops) and the Dutch high-end lingerie chain Livera.
Naturally, (professional) shoplifters all over the world did not sit idle during those years and they managed to get hold of standardised magnet detachers, which they could use to easily remove virtually all types of electronic tags from clothing. In 1993 we responded by developing the Combi-Safe. As a result the detaching system is no longer standardised but each individual retail chain now has its own unique unlocking code. An extra security feature is the fact that in addition to the unique code an ultra strong magnet is needed to detach the ink lock.
Existing electronic security tags were often too large and clumsy for smaller and more delicate clothing such as lingerie. Especially in that particular sector, shoplifting would sometimes be as high as 10 or 20 percent of the total turnover. This is why, in 2002, we introduced the Combi-Clip Mini. This smallest item in the ink protection range is still used in all segments of the clothing industry including German discount store KIK (with more than 2,400 shops) and the Dutch high-end lingerie chain Livera.
