COVID presents a new role.

During this uncertain time we had to adapt our business. We were asked to help a national provider staff a number of retail outlets.

It’s been an interesting assignment managing the crowd control at the supermarkets. At first the assignment was an uncertain one with no one really knowing what to expect.

The first thing that we noticed was the need to change the staff type from Retail Guards to Event Security . This meant we were able to draw on the staffs skill set of queue control and communication. To ensure that those waiting were kept to social distancing guidelines and kept informed of waiting times and procedures, this helps to combat frustration during this testing time. This system works well for all types of store the only variant really is the number allowed in store at anyone time.

Small local stores 5 customers at a time larger stores 10 and supermarkets 25.

After 3 weeks with security on the same stores most of the customers know what to do and how long to wait.

With a reduced number of people in store it has been easier for the security and staff to detect/deter shoplifters. Although there are still cases of shoplifting most stores have reported more stops then usual.