7 Tips for a Safer, Smarter Black Friday Sale
Buffalo, NY (PRWEB) October 17, 2013 -- LineLogic, a leading provider of crowd management equipment, began their Black Friday preparations in September. Every year, the company tries to create awareness about safety strategies and preparation for Black Friday well in advance of its approach.
“Sure, it’s about business, but it’s also truly about safety,” says LineLogic Senior Account Executive Ben Lankes. Citing the New York Times article, "Wal-Mart Employee Trampled to Death" from November 28, 2008, Lankes continued, “Four years ago, a seasonal Walmart worker was trampled to death at a poorly run Black Friday promotion. Nobody wants to hear about that - or worse, be responsible for it - especially during the holidays.”
After that incident at Walmart, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a set of safety guidelines for retailers during the Black Friday shopping rush.
In addition to the guidelines put out by OSHA, LineLogic has provided seven tips for retailers in an effort to ensure that every sale is safe, smart, and efficient. “It seems far away, but the holidays always have a way of creeping up on us. We’re just under the seven-week mark for Black Friday. Why wait to prepare?” says Lankes. “We’re reaching out to people now, so they’re not rushing to get ready at the last minute.”
The seven crowd control tips include:
1. To ensure no one is hurt, use retractable belt stanchions and other crowd control equipment in front of all store entrances. Remove the equipment with the help of security once your doors open. Be sure there’s enough space left between the barriers and the doors.
2. Don’t allow large groups to “charge” the doors - create a public guidance system that allows only small groups of customers to enter through your doorways.
3. Provide a safe entrance and exit for people with disabilities.
4. In the store, use signage to direct customers toward exits, bathrooms, and major sale items.
5. Determine the type of queue you’ll be using outside the store, at the registers, and at the customer service desk, and have that equipment in place before the crowds arrive.
6. Inform customers that erratic behavior (including running, yelling, pushing, etc.) will not be tolerated, and those seen engaging in said behaviors will be asked to leave.
7. Have a loud and clear PA system in place to communicate messages to customers and employees. A private communication system may be necessary for employees only.
About LineLogic:
LineLogic is a leading international provider of crowd management equipment for businesses of all types and sizes. From banks and shopping malls to safety plants and stadiums, LineLogic provides equipment that increases efficiency, minimizes customer wait times, and creates a safer, more productive environment.
Caleb Houseknecht, LineLogic, (716) 362-9212 420, [email protected]
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