As the holiday season approaches, the retail industry are preparing for their busiest time of the year. With winter setting in, stores across the UK are expecting a rush of shoppers, from holiday gift-seekers to bargain hunters heading to malls, supermarkets, and local shops.

Among the biggest shopping days is Black Friday, a now-favourite event that has quickly grown in popularity. This year, with crowds expected to flood stores once again, Black Friday 2024 is shaping up to be a lively kickoff to the shopping season.

This surge in foot traffic makes security more important than ever. A strong security setup can make a big difference for retailers, helping to keep store environments safe, reduce stress, and support smooth operations. In this article, we’ll look at why a dependable security presence matters during Black Friday, and how it can help protect your customers, staff, and business.

We’ll also share key stats on retail crime to highlight the impact of effective security, so you’re ready to keep your store safe through the holidays.

Black Friday by The Numbers: Why Security Is Essential

It’s clear that Black Friday is a critical day for retailers. According to a recent Statista report, the UK ranks 4th globally in Black Friday-related searches, showing just how much attention this shopping event generates from social media trends to countless ads and word-of-mouth.

This growing interest translates directly to increased store traffic each year. Mintel, a leading consumer analysis firm, reported that Black Friday spending in the UK reached £13.3 billion in 2023, reflecting a 7.3% increase from previous years. And while online shopping is popular, a significant number of consumers still choose to shop in-store.

Mintel’s report further reveals that 44% of shoppers preferred visiting stores in person. This trend suggests that, despite the rise in online shopping, many people value the in-store experience for the convenience and personal interaction it offers.

With the current cost-of-living challenges, Black Friday deals are especially attractive to shoppers looking to save money before Christmas. With Black Friday this year landing on November 29th just weeks before the holiday, many are eager to take advantage of timely discounts for gifts.

A recent business survey from Vogue’s team indicates a growing sense of consumer confidence, meaning more people are shopping and spending. For retailers, this means not only more customers but also the chance for higher profits. However, it also raises important security considerations.

Our recent report on the most commonly stolen items from supermarkets highlighted an unfortunate side of Black Friday: the potential for theft. Shoplifting has surged by around 30% this year alone, alongside other concerning retail crimes. Pickpocketing incidents have gone up by 17%, robbery by 8%, and cases of weapon possession have increased by 1%.

Retail workers also face frequent challenges, with the Association of Convenience Stores reporting around 800,000 cases of verbal abuse towards retail staff. While these statistics are troubling, there are practical ways to improve security and protect your store this Black Friday. Let’s explore some key steps to create a safer shopping environment.

5 Key Benefits of Black Friday Security

Here are five major reasons why hiring private security this Black Friday can protect both your profits and your customers.

1- Profit Protection

Shoplifting and theft are increasingly concerning for retailers, especially during peak shopping events. Between March 2023 and March 2024, shoplifting incidents reached 443,995 which means a sharp 30% increase from 342,428 the previous year.

With larger crowds, the risk of theft grows, as individuals and even organised groups may take advantage of the busy atmosphere to target high-value items. To counter this, many retailers are stepping up their security by increasing personnel and surveillance. Some are even employing advanced technology like AI and facial recognition to identify repeat offenders.

It’s not just store merchandise at risk; crowded spaces also create opportunities for personal theft, including pickpocketing. Ensuring a safe environment for shoppers adds to a positive customer experience, making security a worthwhile investment for Black Friday.

At Guard Mark Security, our retail security officers are trained to monitor both merchandise and customer safety closely, working alongside your store’s CCTV system or enhancing your current surveillance setup for a secure shopping environment.

2- Maintain Crowd Control for a Safer Black Friday

Black Friday draws big crowds, and stores can quickly become packed, making it tough for people to move around comfortably. Long lines and cramped spaces can easily lead to frustration and tense situations.

Crowd issues can hurt the shopping experience and even sales. According to consumer watchdog Lightspeed, about 69% of shoppers will reconsider their purchase if they face long queues. In fact, the average shopper is willing to wait only around 6 minutes and 46 seconds before deciding to walk away.

Proper crowd management can help maintain a steady customer flow and ensure a positive shopping experience. With trained retail security officers, you can manage store entry and exit effectively, keeping the flow smooth and minimising congestion. This helps create a better experience for all, whether it’s Black Friday or any other busy shopping day.

3- Stress-Free Shopping Experience with Officers Trained in Conflict Management

Black Friday deals are designed to draw in eager shoppers, but the excitement can sometimes lead to chaotic moments. If conflict and crowd control aren’t handled well, things can quickly spiral, as seen in past Black Friday events. Although crowds are generally more manageable these days, there’s still the risk of stock running low, customer frustration, and heated situations.

Having trained professionals to handle conflicts can make all the difference, helping to de-escalate tense moments before they become incidents. That’s where skilled retail security officers come in, providing the calm, authoritative presence needed to keep the environment safe and under control.

At Guard Mark Security, our retail security officers undergo thorough conflict management training and a rigorous selection process, ensuring that your store is in capable hands on Black Friday and beyond.

4- Prevent Unauthorised Access

Black Friday brings welcome crowds, but it can also attract the wrong kind of attention. Beyond the risk of theft, there’s the added concern of unauthorised access to restricted areas, such as staff-only or storage rooms.

While many stores have secure access systems, on busy days like Black Friday, stockrooms often need to be left accessible for quick restocking. This makes controlling access more challenging.

That’s where Guard Mark Security comes in. Our skilled security officers are trained to monitor crowded environments, spotting suspicious behaviour, and preventing unauthorised entry. With our patrolling officers and advanced CCTV systems, we help create a strong line of defence against intruders. This is particularly valuable during high-risk times, like the night of Black Friday, when access to stock may be most vulnerable.

5- Prioritising Health and Safety

Black Friday brings a welcome rush of customers, but it’s crucial that health and safety standards don’t get overlooked amid the bustle. Even during peak shopping days, these protocols should remain a priority.

A reliable retail security team can play a key role in supporting the health and safety measures you’ve established. Whether it’s assisting with a medical emergency or managing evacuation procedures if a fire alarm goes off, trained security officers help keep your store running smoothly, letting you focus on your daily operations.

At Guard Mark Security, we know that every store has unique needs, especially during high-traffic days like Black Friday. That’s why we offer customised security plans tailored to your store’s layout, specific requirements, and busiest hours.

Our officers are committed to maintaining a safe environment, and with first aid training now a part of the SIA licencing process, you can count on professional support for health and safety in every situation.

Safe and Secure Black Friday Shopping with Guard Mark Security

The UK’s retail sector is a vital part of both the local and national economy. In 2023 alone, it contributed £110.4 billion, a figure that’s expected to keep growing. Effective retail security plays a crucial role in supporting this industry, especially during peak shopping events like Black Friday.

According to Mintel, 84% of shoppers are likely to return to a retailer after a positive Black Friday experience. At Guard Mark Security, we understand the importance of this customer loyalty, which is why our security services are designed to create safe, smooth shopping environments that keep customers coming back.

With over a decade of expertise, we have crafted an approach to retail security that’s adaptable and responsive to the unique demands of the retail calendar. From comprehensive monitoring systems tailored to your supermarket to the visible presence your store needs for a reassuring holiday season, Guard Mark Security has been a trusted choice for retailers across the UK.

If you have any questions related to our services, we are just a call away. Contact us now, our customer support team is here all the time to assist you in the best manner. Partner with us at Guard Mark Security and ensure the safety and protection of your retail store, customers, and employees.