Retail security system

Abstract

In one embodiment, a retail security system is disclosed. The system includes a locking system having a plurality of locking assemblies, each configured to restrict full access to a respective article and selectively alterable between locked and unlocked states. The locking system further includes a wireless communication module. When wireless communication is established between a general-use portable electronic device and the locking system or a server, and a user of the portable electronic device is authenticated, the locking system is configured to receive instructions from the portable electronic device or the server. In response to the instructions, the locking system alters at least one of the locking assemblies from the locked state to the unlocked state, thereby permitting the authenticated user to access the article while maintaining security for other articles associated with the locking system.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.