Busy seasons, like Christmas or major sales events, draw crowds to retail stores.
This boosts your sales but also increases the risk of glass damage.
From storefront windows to glass display cases, these key features in your retail space are essential to creating an inviting store atmosphere.
But they are also prone to cracks and breaks, causing disruption to your operations, scaring your customers away, and leading to costly repairs.
Good news is you aren’t left without any solutions.
There are practical steps you can take to minimise these risks while keeping your store safe and appealing.
Dive in with us and learn more about some strategies to prevent glass damage during hectic periods.
1. Reinforce Glass with Protective Measures
Glass is vulnerable to impacts from shopping carts, accidental bumps during crowded sales, retail crime, or even extreme weather.
According to the Australian Retailers Association, retail businesses lose around $9 billion each year to retail crime alone.
What more if you face other retail risks.
What’s your next move, then?
Take a look at these simple, proactive steps that can potentially reduce the likelihood of glass-related incidents:
- Don’t forget to install protective films. Applying clear, shatter-resistant films to windows and display cases can absorb impacts and hold glass together if it cracks. These films are affordable and don’t alter your store’s aesthetic.
- Use toughened or laminated glass. If you’re upgrading or replacing glass, choose toughened or laminated options. They are stronger and less likely to shatter.
- Add temporary barriers. Use bollards or low railings outside storefronts to prevent carts or vehicles from hitting windows. Inside, use stanchions or upright bars, posts, or frames to guide foot traffic away from fragile displays.
These measures not only protect your glass but also show your customers that your store is well-maintained, making them feel confident in shopping with you.
2. Train Your Team to Manage Crowds and Spot Risks
Your team plays a critical role in preventing glass damage during busy sales events, such as Boxing Day or back-to-school rushes.
Here’s a checklist of simple skills you can focus on:
- Crowd Control Basics: Teach your staff to monitor customer flow and prevent queue near glass doors or displays.
- Simple Tactics: Teach your team simple safety measures, like opening additional entrances if possible or using signage to keep people moving smoothly.
- Spotting Hazards: Train employees to identify risks, such as loose carts, misplaced merchandise, or unstable displays that could crash into glass. Encourage them to act quickly to secure these items.
- Emergency Protocols: Ensure your team knows how to respond if glass does break, such as clearing the area, reporting to management, and documenting the incident for insurance claims.
A well-prepared team can effectively help in handling peak seasons which can make a big difference for you.
3. Schedule Regular Glass Maintenance and Inspections
Routine maintenance is easy to overlook during busy seasons, but neglecting glass care can turn minor issues into major expenses.
Good news is glass damage could be prevented with regular inspections and timely repairs.
Here’s how to stay on top of it:
- Conduct Weekly Glass Inspection: Check windows, doors, and display cases for chips, cracks, or weak seals. Small damages can worsen under the stress of crowds or weather changes.
- Clean Glass Properly: Use gentle cleaners and soft cloths to avoid scratches that weaken glass over time. Schedule professional cleanings before major sales to ensure clarity and strength.
- Repair Promptly: Fix minor issues, say cracks or chips, immediately to prevent them from spreading. Delaying repairs can lead to full replacements, which are far more expensive.
By prioritising maintenance, you reduce the risk of sudden glass failures that could disrupt your busiest days.
4. Cover Your Glass Investment with Plate Glass Insurance
Plate Glass Insurance is a smart way to protect your glass investment, covering costs when accidents or vandalism damage it so your wallet doesn’t take a hit.
Here’s why it matters:
- It’s your protection against costly repairs.
- It covers signage and artwork usually painted on glass.
- It meets the mandates of tenants in commercial leases to carry Plate Glass Insurance, alongside Public Liability Coverage.
- It typically covers damage from vandalism or accidents, such as graffiti or malicious breakage, ensuring you’re not left footing the bill.
- It makes repairs quick, often covering emergency fixes.
Get Started Today
Preventing glass damage is about keeping your store safe, welcoming, and operational during critical sales periods.
These simple, cost-effective strategies can be a good start for you.
For added protection, getting the right Plate Glass Insurance is necessary as it covers repairs or replacements without draining your budget.
Whether you’re a small boutique or a large chain, these steps can help you handle busy seasons with confidence.
How We Can Help
Interested in obtaining Plate Glass Insurance that fits your store’s needs and risks?
Reach out to us at Tank Insurance and explore coverage options available to you.
Prepare your store for the peak seasons so you can give your customers the best service.
