Apparel Inventory Shrinkage Audit Checklist Template

Stop apparel losses in their tracks! Our Retail Shrinkage Audit Checklist helps you pinpoint inventory discrepancies, identify theft hotspots, and optimize your processes to protect your bottom line. Download now & fight back against shrinkage!

This Template was installed 2 times.

Initial Stock Verification

1 of 10

Confirm starting inventory matches records.

Date of Initial Verification

Beginning Inventory Count (Units)

Beginning Inventory Value ($)

Verification Method

Notes/Comments on Initial Verification

System Used for Records

Receiving & Putaway

2 of 10

Review receiving logs and putaway procedures.

Receiving Date

Purchase Order (PO) Number

Condition of Shipment (Upon Arrival)

Packaging Integrity Issues?

Quantity Received

Quantity Expected

Discrepancies Noted (If Any)

Putaway Location Confirmed?

Sales Floor Observation

3 of 10

Assess visual inventory levels and potential theft points.

High-Theft Area 1 (e.g., near entrance)

Estimated Foot Traffic (per hour)

Visible Display Issues (check all that apply)

Notes on Customer Behavior

Time of Observation

Overall Floor Appearance

Stockroom Inspection

4 of 10

Evaluate storage conditions and security measures.

Stockroom Location (GPS Coordinates)

Average Monthly Temperature (°C)

Lighting Adequacy

Security Features Present

Last Cleaning Date

Evidence of Pests (Yes/No)

Photos of Stockroom Condition

Point of Sale (POS) System Analysis

5 of 10

Examine sales data for discrepancies and trends.

Average Daily Sales Volume

Average Transaction Value

Date of Last POS System Audit

POS System Version

POS System Integrations

Notes on Unusual Sales Patterns

Employee Interviews

6 of 10

Gather insights on potential internal theft or process weaknesses.

Describe any unusual observations regarding inventory handling.

Estimate the percentage of shrinkage you suspect occurs in your area of responsibility.

Have you noticed any changes to security procedures recently?

Date of last suspected loss or theft incident.

Name of employee interviewed.

Are you familiar with the company's inventory loss prevention policies?

Security System Review

7 of 10

Check functionality and effectiveness of security cameras, alarms, etc.

Number of Security Cameras Functioning

Alarm System Status (Armed/Disarmed)

Last Camera System Maintenance Date

Last Alarm System Test Time

Describe any observed security vulnerabilities

Door/Window Sensor Status (Functional/Malfunctioning)

Location of Security System Control Panel

Physical Inventory Count

8 of 10

Perform a full or partial physical count of key items.

Item Code

Quantity on Hand (Counted)

Unit of Measure

Notes/Observations during count (e.g., damage, misplacement)

Date of Count

Time of Count

Exact Location within Store

Discrepancy Investigation

9 of 10

Document and investigate any significant differences between records and actual count.

Describe the Discrepancy

Estimated Value of Loss ($)

Possible Cause (Select One)

Affected Product Categories (Select all that apply)

Date of Discrepancy Identified

Approximate Time of Discrepancy

Location of Discrepancy (e.g., Stockroom A, Sales Floor)

Supporting Documentation (e.g., Photos, Shipping Records)

Corrective Action Plan

10 of 10

Outline steps to address identified shrinkage causes and prevent future losses.

Summary of Key Shrinkage Drivers Identified

Target Shrinkage Reduction Percentage (Annual)

Recommended Security Enhancements (Select all that apply)

Implementation Start Date for Corrective Actions

Date for First Review of Corrective Actions

Estimated Cost of Implementation (USD)

Person Responsible for Corrective Action Implementation

We can do it Together

Need help with Checklists?

Have a question? We're here to help. Please submit your inquiry, and we'll respond promptly.

Email Address
How can we help?