Retail stores generally have an influx of masses including people of all types and ages. This significant footfall resulting from people searching and shopping around calls for the need for a well-designed security plan for the sake of keeping customers and employees safe. When it comes to the safety and security of retail stores, the function of physical security has progressed from a cost center to the ultimate expense saver. This role of Physical security in retail stores has evolved due to the benefits attained from minimizing risk factors and inventory shrinkage and loss. Hiring private security officers is the most appropriate way to protect shopping malls and retail stores. However using multiple solutions and approaches for retail security, like paring physical security officers with modern technology can deliver huge cost benefits and budgetary efficiencies. To understand this better, it is important to consider some benefits of physically stationing a private security officer for your retail store.
Benefits of Hiring Private Security for Retail Business
Security guards specialize in the prevention and relay a visual reminder of security for customers and employees alike. Due to the financial implications of continuous rise in theft and inventory shrinkage which constitutes a high percentage of the total cost to retail business, the demand for retail security is high. In-store retail security such as surveillance cameras is great for capturing theft as they are used in the playback of store activity. However, surveillance cameras become a greater deterrent when paired with a physical presence of a security guard. Apart from acting as a threat to criminals, the physical presence of a security guard also gives a good impression of a business by ensuring customers and employees that you are concerned about their safety. Hiring private security officers is the most appropriate way to protect shopping malls and retail stores.
1. Deter Shoplifters
Shoplifting is one of the prime concerns for retail businesses as it can incur enormous monetary losses. It is practically impossible for the salesperson alone to keep track of all shoppers with products on display and a large number of people around. Physical presences of security guards serve as a deterrent for shoplifter because of the increased chances of getting caught and taken into account.
2. Minimize Threats
Apart from shoplifting, Retails businesses face other threats such as violence, trespassers, and robbery, etc. Security guards are highly trained for monitoring areas where any suspicious activity may occur. Apart from addressing potential threats before they occur, security guards are also trained in deescalating situations that may spark violence. During peak shopping times such as Black Friday, Christmas, or holiday seasons, de-escalation of clashes and crowd control are critical for the smooth functioning of a retail business. Security officers are a way to improve the security of your business, employees, and customers, resulting in more influx to your store during peak times.
3. Improved Customer Service
A security officer patrolling inside or outside the retail store becomes an integral part of your retails business. Customers visiting the store are generally comfortable asking security guards for directions and assistance. Security officers can also assist with helping handicaps and other dependent customers in their movements. They at times go the extra mile by escorting customers to their vehicles when it’s dark or if the customer is not comfortable going alone. In short, Security officers play a crucial role in improving your customers’ experience and their overall satisfaction with your retail business.
4. Quick Response
In case of emergencies demanding a quick response, security officers are of tremendous help and hence a great asset for a retail business. When a high-stress situation befalls, it becomes difficult for untrained individuals to react effectively and calmly even when certain protocols such as fire and evacuation drills, etc. are in place. Well-trained security officers are well versed with the methods of keeping level head reacting appropriately and quickly to high-pressure response demanding situations. They are trained to take up the role of savior, guide, and instructor to ensure that everyone remains calm and reacts properly.
The bottom line
Whether it is employee theft, robbery, or shoplifting, retail crime greatly affects profit margins and puts employees and customers at risk. One way to deal with this is installing video surveillance cameras at important locations such as parking lots, entrances and exits, inventory and storage rooms, and behind cash registers. However, this does not change the role of retail security guards in protecting and guarding the store, its people, and assets. Retail security can be greatly enhanced by ensuring the presence of security guards and avoid substantial financial costs incurring as a result of loss and shrinkage. Apart from deterring intruders, the presence of a visible security guard observes and report suspicious activities and takes help from law enforcement when required.
Hiring private security officers gives you peace of mind that your business is safe and you have someone experienced with handling security breaches. It is highly relaxing for retail business owners to know someone is effectively carrying out a function of watching for suspicious activity, deescalating stress situations, responding to emergencies, and monitoring video surveillance cameras.
Retail centers and their parking lots are prone to theft and have unique security needs that need a specialized security plan. Syndicate Alpha provides the highest quality customized security solutions specific to the needs of the retail business. With our years of experience in providing professionally crafted security plans and well-trained security guards, Syndicate Alpha can assist you with your security needs by providing you solutions for reducing shrinkage, protecting your property employees and customers, and improving the overall image of your retail business as a safe place for customers to shop comfortably.