Quick answer: The holiday season brings more customers, more cash, more temporary staff and more theft. Prepare by early November: test cameras and lighting, hire and train seasonal staff on security basics, increase floor coverage at peak hours, add mid-day cash pickups, protect high-value displays, tighten return policies for January, secure package deliveries, and use live monitoring during the busiest and riskiest hours.
Timeline
| When | Focus |
|---|---|
| Early November | Test cameras, lighting, alarms; update procedures |
| Mid November | Hire and train seasonal staff |
| Black Friday weekend | Maximum floor staffing, cash pickups, live monitoring |
| December | Peak-hour monitoring, package and closing safety |
| January | Return fraud controls, inventory count, review |
Checklist
Cameras and building
- [ ] All cameras working, clean lenses, good night images
- [ ] Recorder keeps enough days to cover long weekends
- [ ] Exterior and parking lot lighting working
- [ ] Alarm tested; codes updated for seasonal staff
Staffing
- [ ] Extra staff on the floor at peak times
- [ ] Seasonal staff trained on cash rules, shoplifting response (observe and report) and robbery policy
- [ ] Clear roles: who watches fitting rooms, entrances and high-value areas
Merchandise
- [ ] High-value items near the counter or locked
- [ ] Shelves faced and tidy so gaps are noticed
- [ ] Gift cards secured and activated only at purchase
Cash
- [ ] Mid-day and evening cash pickups
- [ ] Low drawer limits
- [ ] Counts on camera at every shift change
- [ ] Varied deposit times
Returns
- [ ] Return policy posted and explained to staff
- [ ] Manager approval for high-value or no-receipt returns
- [ ] Daily refund review through January
Deliveries and packages
- [ ] Receive at a staffed door
- [ ] Signature required for valuable orders
- [ ] Camera on the drop zone
Closing
- [ ] Two people at every close
- [ ] Doors locked before counting
- [ ] Building checked for anyone remaining
Monitoring
- [ ] Live monitoring during peak hours and overnight
- [ ] Escalation contacts updated for the season
Frequently asked questions
When should I start holiday security planning?
By early November, before Black Friday and the start of seasonal hiring.
How do I train seasonal staff quickly?
A 30-minute session on cash rules, observing and reporting theft, robbery safety and closing procedures, plus a printed checklist.
Does return fraud really increase after the holidays?
Returns spike in January, and fraud tends to rise with volume. Tighten approvals and review refunds daily.
Key takeaways
- Prepare by early November: equipment, staff and procedures.
- Staff the floor, pick up cash often and protect high-value items.
- Tighten returns for January and monitor live at peak times.
Next step: Add live monitoring for the holiday season.