Retailers should consider these 4 security upgrades before re-opening

Opening up your retail business after a succession of lockdowns brings a massive sense of relief, but it also comes with a range of security concerns. It is of paramount importance that businesses and retail parks reopen safely, with the protection of customers and the businesses themselves at the heart of everything. So, what do you need to get back to business?

One company that is no stranger to commercial security is Newgate, who specialise in security solutions for the corporate world; here they share their insight into how retailers can open up safely and of course, securely.

Firstly, any business will need to conduct a risk assessment to establish where any dangers may lie and what controls need to be put in place. Once this has been done, you will know what areas of security you need to consider and how to go about it.

Business layout

In order to protect the public, measures need to be implemented to ensure people can flow freely and smoothly throughout. This starts from the car park as well as throughout your store, so using gates and barriers to direct people where you want them to go ensures people remain safe.

Furthermore, it helps with the effective management of crowds and queues. Clear signage that shows customers what you need them to do is also a must.

Entry points

You want your customers to come through your doors, but these should be the only people that enter your business. Identifying all the possible ways to get into your premises and making sure that they are secure is important to keep your stock and staff safe. Solid doors and windows which are fitted with secure locks will help to keep intruders out when the building is empty.

Your doors are not the only way into your business, as you also need to look at the perimeter of your property. This means that you need to think about fencing, security gates and lighting around your car park and the main building to make sure you don’t get any unwelcome visitors out of hours.

Use technology

You need to know exactly what is happening within your stores at all times, whether you are open or not, which is why a good CCTV system is imperative. It can not only act as a deterrent, but also helps to identify anyone who may be considering getting up to no good.

If anyone does attempt to access your property, a comprehensive alarm system should soon put them off. Think about all the possible access points and make sure they are covered with sensors and detectors to make you aware of any break ins as quickly as possible.

Staff security

You want to welcome your customers through the main entrance, but you also need to ensure that your staff are the only people who have access to the other parts of your business. Using keypads or other devices to make sure that only approved personnel can enter the building is of massive importance. This not only prevents any dangers to your business, but also to your staff and makes certain that your staff are only there when they are supposed to be.

You may also need to issue your staff with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to keep them safe and protect the public from COVID-19. In addition to this, you can also provide staff with alarms and Keycards to ensure they are always safe and can keep their role as contactless as possible.

Safety within your business should always be your number one priority, and as a retailer you are in the position of having a lot of customers passing through your business on a daily basis. This presents different challenges in the case of security and is something that you need to think very carefully about.