Abstract: The present aspects include a method of detaching a security tag from an article, including receiving, at a detacher device, an unlock signal from a transaction system. The detacher device includes a housing having a nest configured to receive a security tag, a gate assembly including a gate member movable between a closed position that blocks the nest and an open position, and a magnet positioned on an opposite the nest and having a magnetic flux sufficient to unlock a magnetic lock of the security tag. The method further includes moving the gate member from the closed position to the open position based on receipt of the unlock signal, receiving the security tag in the nest, and unlocking the magnetic lock of the security tag to allow the security tag to be detached from the article.

Abstract: The present aspects include a magnetic detacher including a housing having a wall that defines a nest configured to receive a security tag; a gate member and an actuator configured to move the gate member between a closed position and an open position, wherein the gate member in the closed position blocks the nest, and in the open position allows access to the nest; a magnet positioned on an opposite side of the housing relative to the nest and adjacent to the nest, the magnet having a field in an area of the nest sufficient to unlock a magnetic lock of the security tag; and a processor in communication with the actuator and with a transaction system, wherein the processor is configured to control the actuator to move the gate member from the closed position to the open position based on receipt of an unlock signal from the transaction system.