Holiday shopping seems to come earlier and earlier each year. Shopping malls and centers need to increase the use of security guards at their locations earlier too. Retail crime in general is getting worse. Look for the crime numbers to be even higher during the holidays. Here are tips for hiring retail security guards for the holiday shopping season.
- Only hire guards who are experienced in mall and retail security. The holidays are not the time to hire guards who are still learning on the job.
- Require that all guards have strong communication skills. Guards spend a significant amount of time interacting with customers—answering questions and offering help. They must be able to communicate in a positive way that makes customers feel welcome.
- Make sure the guards have the capacity to implement overall mall security measures. A mall security plan should already be in place before hiring additional guards for the holidays. Seasonal guards must be able to learn these security procedures and what is expected of them in both day-to-day security and in case of emergencies.
Alliance Guard Services has been providing security services to retailers in California. To find out more, call 800-345-4324
