Blackbird Security retail security teams across Canada spent Black Friday 2024 safeguarding our clients’ businesses. Our team went in the field last Friday to gain an insider perspective from our teams at Downtown Vancouver’s largest mall, Pacific Centre, where we’re proud to protect multiple businesses including Sephora, Moose Knuckles, and Holt Renfrew.
Now that the second busiest retail day of the year (second only to Boxing Day) is over, we're sharing key insights and strategies that helped our retail security teams maintain safety and prevent loss during this high-traffic period. Watch the video below, where Francesco Fontana, Digital Marketing Lead at Blackbird, shares inside knowledge from Downtown Vancouver on Black Friday.
Black Friday Insights from Blackbird Security Leadership
We asked Krupal, Vancouver Regional Manager at Blackbird, about behind the scenes operations on Black Friday. Here’s what he shared:
What are the heightened risks during black Friday sales?
“With busy retail shopping days there is always higher risk of shoplifters. There's also bigger crowds which sometimes get out of control so you have to make sure your team communicates well to handle the crowd control.”
When do clients usually order more security?
“Usually a month out from the date. that will give us time to prepare for the site and have our trained guards ready to go.”
Does the shopping frenzy continue after Black Friday weekend?
“Yes, many of the sales now go on for the entire week after Black Friday, so the heightened risks definitely carry on within the stores.”
What are the hot spots in terms of risk?
“Anywhere around the retail stores especially due to the amount of sales these stores usually have. the specific hot spots within the stores depend on the client, but its usually the more expensive items. For example at a store like Moose Knuckles, we'd see a lot of shoplifters trying to steal the jackets, specifically the puffer jackets. For a client like Sephora, the fragrances/perfumes & other high ticket cosmetic items are what's usually targeted.”
The Blackbird Difference: Leadership in the Field on Black Friday
While most security companies limit their Black Friday oversight to site supervisors, Blackbird Security takes a more comprehensive approach. During this extremely busy retail weekend, our entire leadership team—including owners, regional managers, and district managers—maintains an active presence across multiple locations throughout the day.
This hands-on involvement from senior management allows for real-time feedback and quality control. Our leadership directly engages our security teams, ensuring every guard maintains Blackbird Security’s high standards of service during one of retail’s most important and challenging days.
At Pacific Centre in Vancouver on Black Friday, Alex Van Ryke, Operations Manager at Blackbird Security, was present to provide live quality assurance for our clients throughout the day.
“We service approximately 22 sites in the immediate area with over 30 guards deployed,” says Alex. “Generally clients request coverage in advance for these days, but we understand that ad hoc requests will come in and we’re always ready to provide services coast to coast.”
Read more about our unique approach to Black Friday retail security in our previous blog, Retail Security: Black Friday with Blackbird Security.
Key Takeaways for Black Friday 2025
Black Friday continues to be a hugely busy day for retailers, with unique security challenges that require specialized preparation. Here are the key lessons from this year's operations that can help inform your store’s retail security strategy for Boxing Day 2024 and Black Friday 2025:
- Early preparation is critical. Businesses should secure additional security coverage at least one month in advance of Black Friday.
- Sales events often extend beyond Black Friday, requiring sustained security presence throughout the holiday season.
- High-value merchandise areas need a thorough security strategy, specialized protocols, and often additional guards.
- Leadership presence on-site makes a significant difference in the effectiveness of security measures on Black Friday weekend.
- Well-trained security teams with clear communication protocols are essential for managing high-traffic areas and times.
Partner With Blackbird Security for Your Retail Security Needs
Investing in high-quality, comprehensive retail security coverage pays off on busy sales days like Black Friday. If your business is in need of ongoing retail security services or looking for security coverage for Boxing Day 2024, our experienced team is ready to help secure your store. We provide comprehensive, coast-to-coast coverage across Canada with security solutions that protect your inventory, property, team, and customers while maintaining a positive, customer service-focused shopping environment.
Get in touch with us using the form below to learn how we can enhance your retail security strategy.
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