Tips For Business Safety and Security Over The Holiday.

The holiday season is a critical time for any small to large retailer or business owner, and sales over the months of November through to the end of December often account for as much as 20% of the total annual revenue.
Even with the increased online sales over the last decade, this is still the busiest time of year. The season brings in more shoppers, increased cash on hand, and other security and safety issues on the premises need to be carefully considered.

The good news is that retailers can plan in advance for the holiday season and increase their security and safety to safeguard their business and their staff. Most of these safety and security tips can be easily incorporated into the daily routine, but starting early, so they are consistently employed by staff before the holiday rush is always a good practice.

Training is Essential. Training staff, including refresher training for full-time employees and introductory training for seasonal and part-time staff, is an important starting point for any security program.

Staff should be trained on all security measures in the business, including theft protection systems, how to open and close the store or business, and when and how to allow customers access to any valuable items that are commonly maintained in locked or secured displays or areas.

One of the most common issues is theft at this time of year, and reviewing theft reduction procedures, including staff monitoring and moving throughout the store as well as greeting and helping customers can be instrumental in limiting merchandise loss.

Clear Visibility and Traffic Lanes. A key factor in preventing loss as well as ensuring all areas of the space are visible is to prevent overcrowding with merchandise and displays. Merchandise, advertising stands, or other types of items in traffic lanes in the store not only create blind spots for staff, but they can become a liability if they increase the risk for a slip and fall accident on the premises.

Weather Concerns and Business Liability. Maintaining the exterior of the business is necessary for liability prevention, particularly with increased traffic and seasonal bad weather. Accumulations of snow or ice should be removed as soon as possible, and entrances to a building should be equipped with mats to absorb moisture and prevent floors from becoming slippery.

Monitoring of the Cash Register. While most holiday shoppers will be using credit cards, it is important to ensure trusted employees are managing customer purchases. Issues with credit card information theft, employee theft from sales registers, and even scams with mobile POS (point of sale) devices are all a concern. Any type of voided sale or any return of merchandise should require two staff signatures to help prevent employee theft.

If possible, consider adding video monitoring of the cash register area, and be sure that employees are aware that the cameras are in place. Clearly state and enforce the business’s policy on charging any employees found violating policies.

Hiring a security service is always an effective way to add to the safety and security of your business over the holiday season. Merely having the guards in place is a deterrent both for most criminal activity.