Prepare Your Store for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in Vancouver and Toronto

…Ready for it? If your store is located in Downtown Vancouver or Toronto, you may want to consider increasing your security presence during Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour dates. Canadian Taylor Swift fans are getting glittered up, making friendship bracelets, and booking reservations in advance of the final leg of the Eras Tour. The global superstar sensation will be performing in Toronto for 10 dates between November 14th to 24th before closing out the tour on December 6th and 7th in Vancouver. These two highly anticipated tour stops are sure to bring thousands of fans from all over the world, as Global News Canada reports skyrocketing hotel prices in Toronto. With such massive crowds drawn to both cities, it’s important to consider your store’s retail security strategy.

We know All Too Well the dangers of leaving a Blank Space in your security strategy, and we’re here to help. In this blog, we’ll discuss the unique retail security dangers posed by increased crowds and the retail security strategies you should consider to prevent them. 

What Are the Dangers of Large Crowds?

Large crowds can present several safety issues, primarily those associated with capacity and overcrowding. If a store’s occupancy limit is surpassed, it can quickly lead to dangerous situations including injuries due to overcrowding, the inability to evacuate customers in the event of an emergency, and fire hazards. Having a security team present to limit the number of people inside a store at one time and monitor lines outside prevents disorder and creates a safe shopping environment for everyone.

Additionally, overcrowded stores can lead to tensions among shoppers. Disputes and fights between shoppers are common in stores, especially during busy sales periods such as Black Friday. Security guards are trained to monitor for troublesome behaviour and swiftly intervene in the event of a dispute. 

What Retail Security Risks Do Large Crowds Present?

Large crowds increase the risks of theft and vandalism substantially. When there are more individuals inside a store, thieves can operate undetected, presenting potentially expensive losses for stores. Under the cover of large crowds, Organized Retail Crime (ORC) is more likely to take place (more on that later). An understaffed security team, or a store with no security team at all, will quickly become overwhelmed by a large influx of shoppers, opening the door to thefts. 

Why You Should Increase Your Store’s Retail Security Coverage

To set your store up for the best chance of success, you should consider adding additional retail security coverage during the Taylor Swift Eras Tour dates in Vancouver and Toronto. Here’s how Blackbird Security can help: 

1. Handling Unprecedented Foot Traffic

Large crowds may lead to increased foot traffic near your storefront. Our team will help you manage the influx and maintain order within and around your location. A key part of our retail security strategy includes crowd management, which is essential for maintaining safety, clear communication, and orderly lines within and outside of your store.

2. Preventing Organized Retail Crime (ORC)

As mentioned previously, large crowds provide opportunities for ORC groups to exploit retail stores overwhelmed by crowds. Don’t let your store become one of them. Our guards function as your first line of defence to stop theft attempts, apprehend suspects, and recover would-be stolen merchandise.

3. Mitigating Disorder

High-energy crowds can create an unpleasant shopping experience for legitimate customers and sometimes lead to disorderly conduct. Our team receives special training through Blackbird Academy to peacefully de-escalate conflicts, provide customer service support, and provide first aid treatment in the event of a medical emergency. 

Protect Your Store With Blackbird Security Ahead of the Taylor Swift Eras Tour in Vancouver and Toronto

At Blackbird Security, we’re experts in the field of retail security in Vancouver and Toronto. We have experience safeguarding a wide range of Vancouver and Toronto businesses, including Holt Renfrew, Sephora, MEC, Uniqlo, and many more. Invest in your store before the crowds arrive and enjoy the peace of mind of knowing your business is protected by one of Canada’s top retail security companies. 

’Tis the Damn Season to bolster your security efforts! You’ll feel like a Mastermind as your store Fearless(ly) takes on the large crowds brought in by Ms. Swift. Trust us, You Belong With Me!