When hard tags are not able to be fitted to the merchandise, adhesive EAS labels can be used. The labels come plain white or printed with a bar code label or a lower adhesive type. The labels are placed discreetly on the merchandise in an unobtrusive location. The EAS label is left on the merchandise when the customer brings the article to the cash counter for payment and either run over a EAS deactivator unit to deactivate the label. A deactivated EAS label will not cause the EAS pedestal antennas at the store exit to alarm when the merchandise passes through.