1 in 3 Retail Workers Feel Unsafe: How to Safeguard Staff and Business During Black Friday and the Holiday Rush
A recent survey commissioned by Motorola Solutions found that 1 in 3 retail workers are feeling unsafe heading into the Christmas shopping season. With Black Friday – one of NZ’s biggest annual sales – almost upon us, now has never been a better time to reflect on how you can protect your staff and business. FIRST Security is here to help!
According to the survey, the three main causes for concern over the busy period is shoplifting, hostile customers and smash and grabs. FIRST Security also recognises the higher foot traffic can make it hard to identify risks to staff and theft of high value items. To help ensure you are prepared when your doors open this Friday 29th, check out these tips:
1. Extra security measures
Managing large crowds can be tough, but you don’t have to do this on your own! We recommend hiring extra floor security to ensure high-value items and staff are protected for your peace of mind. FIRST Security offers a range of proactive solutions to keep your store safe and secure.
2. Check in on and protect your staff
Holding a meeting with your retail staff ahead of the Black Friday sales is a great way to check in, an opportunity for workers to voice any concerns and to make a plan on how to tackle the higher foot traffic. Depending on your store, you may want to create stations for each team member to focus on. FIRST Security also offers WelfareFirst, a service that helps keep your staff safe – particularly those working a late-night shift. It features a 24/7 check-in and monitoring system and duress buttons. Your employees are supported by our fully trained operators no matter the time of night… giving you peace of mind that they have returned home safely.
To hear more on how this service could work for you, check out our website here: https://www.firstsecurity.co.nz/services/welfarefirst/
3. Update your security system
Is your security system feeling out of date or isn’t quite up to scratch for the holiday season? It might be the time to invest in some new equipment. FIRST Security can assist you with recommendations that will work the best for your store layout, to ensure you have the eyes you need to help report any incidents – including theft or hostility towards staff. FIRST Security can also help with monitoring cameras through their service, VirtualGuard. Their 24/7 eyes on approach can support you and give you that extra layer of protection during the busy period. You can enquire on this service via our website here: https://www.firstsecurity.co.nz/products/virtualguard/
4. Rearrange your store
If you are concerned about blind spots or want to keep a closer eye on your higher ticket items, you may want to consider rearranging your store layout. Not only does it give your store a fresh look for the summer, but it also may deter theft and reduce inventory loss.
If you have any concerns about the upcoming busy season, feel free to get in touch with the FIRST Security team who can help give further guidance and recommend proactive solutions. You can reach out via our website here: https://www.firstsecurity.co.nz/newcontact/?lat=173.233365&lng=-41.299863
