Coming to think of it, does it come as any wonder that many entrepreneurs don’t always think of customer safety as they think of their businesses? When they design their business plans, how many people do you really know or how many do think ever consider including issues of customer safety? You’re likely going to find that many never think to include this in their thinking.
Customer security is one of the prime considerations of any retail outlet today. Whilst implementing key marketing strategies in order to promote products and increase sales, retail managers also need to be thinking about how safe their customers feel in-store and ways they can improve the attractiveness of their space for shoppers.
So what are some of the things that should be thought of in terms of protecting customers? Well, think of it this way, offering some protection is actually good for business as it also safeguards your property. Remember, not all who enter your business are they as good customers.
Below are a few suggestions on protecting your business by ensuring security of your supporters- valued customers:
Lighting
Good lighting is a key aspect for customer experience. Stores require lighting that allows customers to see what they are doing and to ensure that no area of the shop is dimly lit or dark, as this is where thefts or attacks could occur.
This is particularly important in fitting room areas and in toilet and baby-change facilities where customers are out of the general flow of the shop and there is a reduced staff presence.
Space
The retail environment is one that’s constantly under threat from petty crime – from shoplifting items to pick-pocketing customers. This type of crime is easier to commit in small, crowded shops, where people are more tightly packed into a space and it is difficult for staff, security cameras or general shoppers to see what is going on.
It’s easy for people to put goods in their bags without paying for them or to steal a handbag and be out of the shop before anyone’s realised. A key way to defeat this type of crime is by arranging your goods so that there’s more space in the store. This makes it immediately more obvious if someone is acting suspiciously, and customers are more likely to be aware if someone is too close to them or demonstrating threatening behaviour.
CCTV systems
Customers are comforted by the presence of CCTV systems in retail stores. They know that these systems are designed to prevent crime and automatically feel safer in an environment where cameras provide a deterrent to would-be criminals.
A CCTV system also often means at least one member of staff dedicated to security and this also makes customers feel more at ease.
Final Thoughts
There’s no denying it, safety is essential for all of us. Any sense of being unsafe makes all of us to want to be out of the given place and/or situation. We all like to buy from the stores we feel that our safety is esteemed.
There are various other ways that you can make your customers feel safe, but lighting, space and visible CCTV security go a long way to reassuring customers that they are shopping in a safe environment. The safer and more confident your customers feel, the more likely they are to spend money in your store.