With the holidays around the corner, we are heading into peak retail shopping season. Businesses are offering some of their best prices of the year to entice customers to check off their Christmas list in their place of business. While deals are plentiful throughout the entire season, Black Friday is known as the day when customers can get the most bang for their buck and it can be an extremely busy and lucrative day. With increased foot traffic and sought after inventory, how can a business accommodate the influx that comes with Black Friday while maintaining security?
Employee Preparedness
Staffing and training employees are a top priority for Black Friday. It may require additional staff members to make the day run smoothly. Prepare the employees by clearly communicating their roles and expectations. Some employees may have to expand their duties to include crowd control, customer returns and security walks to maintain a safe environment. It’s a highly unusual day, be sure to staff your team with an appropriate amount of people and offer adequate breaks. You may want to consider hiring security if you expect large crowds.
Product Placement
Black Friday is the day when the most sought-after items are sold at the largest discount. So, your business may have additional inventory to accommodate the demand and that means that before Black Friday even happens, you should plan where that inventory is going to be displayed. Will it be readily accessible when customers walk in, or should you develop a system where shoppers must request the item from an employee. Put your most valuable inventory in the most secure place in your store where cameras and security can help monitor what’s happening.
Security Systems
Black Friday is the day to use all the security features you have available. While most people are not in the store with bad intentions, the day itself is chaotic and makes your business more vulnerable to product loss. Take advantage of security cameras by pointing them at your most vulnerable spots and utilize motion detectors. Secure all back and side doors if necessary and place employees in high traffic areas and place security tags on items to set off alarms at the exit.
Black Friday can be an extremely lucrative day for your business. It guarantees customers can get those must have Christmas items at rock bottom prices. Don’t let the chaos of the day impact your bottom line and risk your profit. Use these guidelines to ensure you have a safe and lucrative day.