A staple on the high street, retail security staff are often found near entrances and exits to act as a deterrent to potential criminals.
Chances are, you know they are retail security officers thanks to their uniforms.
But why do they wear a uniform? What purpose does a uniform serve for retail security officers?
Does retail security all have the same uniform?
The uniform of corporate retail security can be different from premise to premise and depending on the formality of the occasion.
If protecting a gala night or working with important clients, a more formal retail security uniform is needed, and is likely to be made up of:
- A dark jacket – if needed
- White shirt
- Black shoes
- Black tie
- Black safety tie
More relaxed premises or events may opt for a dark-coloured polo shirt, dark trousers, and a waterproof jacket if required.
It just depends on where you work.
Why bother with uniforms for retail security?
There are plenty of reasons why retail security officers need to wear a uniform as part of their job, including the following:
- Provides a visual deterrent
Consider a busy high street shop with a shoplifter pilfering small items as they wander around – they are unlikely to be deterred by a plain clothes security guard, even if they walk right past because they simply aren’t recognisable as a security guard.
Similarly, if you were a member of the public in the shop and spot a shoplifter, who do you report them to?
Being easily recognised is one of the most important factors for retail security – for deterring criminal elements, stopping retail theft, and helping the public and staff when they need it.
- Gives a sense of authority
Wearing a uniform helps to make staff feel more professional and gives them the sense of authority they need to do their jobs. It allows them to step into their work selves (quite literally) and focus on work – leaving their personal lives at the door.
Like with the Police or PCSOs, the uniform imbues officers with an authority that gives them focus and a sense of responsibility – which is especially important when they are the staff member who must handle emergencies and volatile situations within specific legal bounds.
- Reflects the business or organisation
No matter your job, you reflect the values of the company you work for.
Wearing their uniform smartly demonstrates pride in their appearance as well as the pride they exhibit in their job.
As such then, a uniform encourages retail security staff to complete their jobs to the best of their ability and uphold the values of the company they are representing.
- Reassures the public
Working as a form of identification, the uniform of retail security officers allows the general public to shop or meet others without worrying about their safety.
This is especially important in locations that carry high-value goods or hold valuables, such as banks, luxury stores, or art galleries.
It also means that the staff who work in environments like this can focus on their day-to-day duties without having to split their focus between tasks and remaining vigilant – stopping errors and mistakes.
Find high-quality, local retail security from Double Check Security
All experienced retail security officers from DCS Group are SIA Door Supervisor Licenced, have undertaken all relevant training, and have outstanding customer service skills.
So, if you need retail security services in London or elsewhere across the country, reach out today.
You can call us on 020 3794 8182 or send us an email and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can to discuss your retail security needs and put a bespoke package together for you.
