America’s shopping malls are not even a century old yet. The first-ever structure of this kind opened its doors in Edina, Minnesota in 1956. The Southdale Center’s design for the time was revolutionary and it became the symbol for post-war suburbia.
Since then, thousands of shopping centers have been erected even in small towns and cities. A major captivating factor for shoppers is the sheer design and product variety available in shopping malls. Millions of visitors enter a shopping center’s doors every year.
The heavy traffic in these places makes them prone to safety and security threats. In this article, we will discuss major security concerns along with three strategies to keep customers safe.
Security Threats for Shopping Malls & Possible Consequences
The US is home to around 1,170 shopping malls or centers. What’s interesting is that these malls occupy a combined retail space of nearly 1.07 billion square feet. With a single mall being hundreds of thousands of square feet in size, it can be a challenge to maintain security.
The primary reason why shopping malls are such vulnerable spots is due to their open and accessible nature. A host of security threats can plague a shopping center, including the following –
- Retail theft is among the most common issues in shopping centers. This may range from minor shoplifting to major organized crime rings.
- Vandalism is another security concern associated with shopping malls. It may include broken windows or gates, graffiti, etc.
- Trespassers may loiter within the premises, thereby causing discomfort to legitimate buyers.
- Parking lot thefts and physical assaults have become common, especially if the area is unsupervised.
- Shopping malls even face cyber security threats that steal consumer information.
One area of safety that may inherently be the most important has to do with the mall’s maintenance practices. Let’s take the example of a US state known for its fine dining and fun shopping experiences, Arkansas. Though titled ‘The Natural State’ for its host of wildlife attractions, this state has an urban side to it with sprawling shopping malls and retail stores.
Of its various malls, perhaps the outlet mall at Little Rock is the most popular. The Outlets of Little Rock is the only outlet mall in Arkansas where shoppers can spend an entire day looking for budget deals. It is mainly known for its al-fresco shopping experiences away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Since outlet malls take up more space than regular malls, there is a lot more maintenance to be done. Suppose certain areas are poorly lit or the pavement is uneven (and unchecked), a shopper can easily fall and suffer debilitating injuries. If that happens, they can use the services of a Little Rock personal injury lawyer for fair compensation for injuries.
Since the accident occurred within the mall’s premises and also due to negligence, it would be accounted as premise liability. According to the Keith Law Group, property owners are responsible for making the area safe or at least warning visitors of potential hazards. Failing to do so can cost in the form of hefty settlements.
The risk of monetary loss is also tied to other security threats like theft, vandalism, and cybercrime. Plus, the mishap, especially if it recurs, will damage the shopping center’s reputation. Shoppers may avoid visiting the place for fear of losing money or life.
3 Strategies to Implement for Shopper Safety
It is of utmost importance that shopping malls implement effective strategies that ward off the above-mentioned safety threats. Let’s look at three ways to make this happen.
Install Different Security Systems
Studies have found that instances of shoplifting increased in the first half of 2024. Now, a shopping mall’s retail space is too large for constant human surveillance at all times. Thankfully, advanced technologies can solve this problem.
Malls must install different types of security systems and high-definition designed for different purposes. A few examples would include access control systems, high-quality CCTV cameras, and modern security alarms for a cohesive approach. The same applies to cybersecurity which makes it imperative to install firewalls and solid encryption.
Stick to a Fixed Maintenance Schedule
Following this strategy will ensure malls take care of the other aspects of customer safety. In other words, it should be a priority to prevent customers from sustaining injuries due to negligent maintenance. Some ways in which shopping malls can maintain their premises include the following –
- Given how frequently shopping centers are visited, there should be an audit conducted every week. All equipment and fixtures should be checked and repaired if needed.
- Floors should be cleaned twice on a daily basis. Moreover, they should be promptly dried using industrial scrubber dryers.
- Adequate lighting should be installed in every nook and cranny. Simultaneously, proper signage may be necessary to ensure shoppers don’t lose their way and end up in an accident.
- Loose objects must be secured to prevent any mishaps.
- All entrances and exits should be kept clear of any unreasonable safety threats.
Enhance Security Training for All Personnel
On average, hundreds or even thousands of employees may be required for the proper functioning of a shopping mall. The premises’ safety will heavily hinge on these personnel. Shopping centers must tighten their security training practices for one and all, from the upper management to the ground staff.
Regular training sessions on how to identify safety threats, what to do, etc., should help everyone stay on the same page. Malls can conduct mock drills, particularly for scenarios involving evacuation to deal with emergencies.
On a final note, shopping malls are responsible for keeping their shoppers safe. They should even go as far as catering to medical emergencies through private personnel trained in first aid and CPR. This will not only prevent premise liabilities but most importantly, keep customers safe and deliver them a relaxed shopping experience.