NRF releases crowd management guidelines for retailers

As one of the busiest shopping days of the year approaches, retailers are focusing on one key component of their holiday plans: crowd control. With the help of several retailers, along with their loss-prevention teams and law enforcement officials, the National Retail Federation has released Crowd Management Guidelines in addition to a step-by-step checklist for retailers planning for holiday crowds. The set of guidelines also addresses unexpected emergency management of crowds.

"With Black Friday upon us, retailers are reviewing their contingency plans to make sure store associates and security are well prepared for the big day," said Joe LaRocca, senior asset protection advisor for NRF. "Whether it's the holiday season, a celebrity appearance or an unplanned situation that requires security, retailers are constantly planning and preparing for even the most chaotic situations."

The guidelines outline the following essential components of a crowd control and/or emergency plan, including:

• Promotional/holiday sales and special events
• Sales and events versus emergency management crowd controls
• Mall-based retailers versus non mall-based retailers
• Crowd management guidelines references and contingency plans　

In addition to the outlined assessments, the guidelines also offer specific checklists for retailers to use when working on a crowd-control plan. Event type, staffing and training, communication, physical and environmental considerations, and line formations are among a few of the factors that retailers should take into account for their plans.