Black Friday Security Boost

Black Friday is literally one week away. Some online companies do their best to compete with in-store shopping, but Black Friday remains a chaotic day at retail stores and shopping malls across America. Some people do every bit of their Christmas shopping in this one day, while others stand in line while it is still dark to get their hands on those doorbuster deals. As consumers appear to be willing to spend this Christmas, businesses would want to encourage them to show up and keep spending. One way to let customers know you value them is to have uniformed security officers at the store entrance and parking monitors. When consumers feel safe, they stay longer and spend more money, which is good news for retailers this Black Friday.

Whether a large warehouse, a specialty store with a new release, or a popular shopping center, security guards are worth their weight in gold. Premiere security officers skilled in events like Black Friday are prepared to handle large crowds and maintain order, which many people look to when they feel overwhelmed. Imagine a line forming at a popular electronics store through the night, and then, when the store opens, someone cuts in front of it. This is not something shoppers or staff should have to worry about. Officers, whether armed or unarmed, are skilled at handling this and other known threats and incidents at sales events like Black Friday.

Tips for Black Friday Shoppers

One of the most significant challenges security companies and retailers face during Black Friday is distracted shoppers who leave valuable shopping bags and are continually looking down at their phones. Self-awareness is highly valued by shoppers this year. Being aware of one's surroundings, knowing when stores open and close, and considering returning to the vehicle after dark should all be considered in advance. Of course, when parking security is available, you can always ask for an escort to your car if you feel unsafe. Parking security officers, as well as event security guards, know how to monitor activity, address anything suspicious, and keep criminals away! Although it is not always possible, try to park in well-lit areas, and if you drop off some bags to continue shopping, be aware of your surroundings. Don’t leave valuables out in plain sight inside the vehicle because that encourages thieves to break in. Lastly, keep track of your things. Shopping bags, jackets, phones, purses, and other valuables can easily be left behind in the chaos that inevitably ensues on Black Friday. If there is security, they are ready and willing to help however they can. Directing people to the bathroom or helping them find a lost little one are when people sigh with relief at the immense value security officers bring during hectic shopping days like Black Friday.

Tips for Black Friday Businesses

Consumers love spending, and if you have professional security guards at your store, you will make customers feel safe and take the pressure off your employees to watch every person that walks in the door and manage loss prevention. There is no need to ask your staff to do this, as security guards are trained to do it seamlessly. Security officers trained in events, loss prevention, and Black Friday-type events handle these situations with ease and discretion. Some of the tasks these professional security officers can provide include:

• Access management for back of house, loading docks, and restricted areas
• Crowd control and conflict resolution
• Monitoring perimeter and parking areas
• Emergency response
• Loss prevention
• Managing disruptions and addressing unruly shoppers

It would be nice to think that all customers will behave calmly, but some don’t like the answers they get from employees. Security presence deters emotional outbursts, and if they do occur, the professional security guards handle them with expertise. Security officers also serve in a customer service capacity, making themselves approachable and professional. Sometimes shoppers want to know how to find an exit, an ATM, or a bathroom! The best security guards are not bothered by these questions because they are there to enhance the consumer experience and keep businesses running smoothly!

Preparing for Black Friday

With one week to prepare, it is not too late to plan and hire private security guards familiar and skilled at working Black Friday events. It is one of the best investments your business can make. Consumers will be happy, employees will feel relieved, and merchandise will be secure. If you want to find out how affordable Black Friday security is, contact Off Duty Officers, Inc. today for a hassle-free quote. We don’t require a contract to dispatch someone highly qualified to you with short notice, but don’t wait, and call today at 844-262-6650.