Retail Store Opening Procedure Checklist

Retail Store Closing Checklist Template: What It Should Include

Similarly, the store closing checklist helps staff remember the tasks they need to complete before closing shop. Additionally, store closing procedures ensure the store is ready for operations the next business day.

Here are the key items on the retail closing checklist:

Clear the Store

Make an announcement 15 minutes before the closing so that customers can wrap up their browsing and complete their purchase. At closing time:

• Confirm everyone has left the store by checking areas, including changing rooms, restrooms, and stockrooms
• Bring in all the signage, banners, and shopping carts that are outside the store or on the sidewalk
• Lock all the doors and commission a staff member to stand by the main door to let all the customers and workers out
• Check that customers or staff members aren’t carrying unpaid products outside the store

Restock

Survey the checkout point and fitting rooms for products, mark them in the POS system as “in stock,” and put them back where they belong. Replenish the sold inventory by taking more stock from the storeroom and placing it on appropriate displays.

Closing Housekeeping

Completing the cleaning and housekeeping tasks before closing ensures a more efficient opening process the next day. The store closing checklist includes the following:

• Complete the general cleaning, including mopping the floor, wiping mirrors, and counters
• Clear the aisles of any merchandise, carts, or litter
• Empty all trash and put them for recycling

Cash Management

At closing time, count the cash in the register drawers. Compare the final amount to the POS system’s sales report. If they match, secure and prep the cash for a deposit. Any discrepancies should trigger a recount and investigation.

For security purposes, you might want to trust a long-tenured cashier to handle cash towards the end of the day.

Turn Off Store Equipment

This includes turning off the POS systems, printers, and electrical systems like air conditioning and TV screens, and locking the cash registers.

Final Walkthrough 

At the end of each day, you must perform the final walkthrough. It includes taking note of incomplete duties, turning off the lights, and turning on the security alarms. 

Double-check that all the electronics are off and everyone has left the store. Ensure there are two staff members at closing for safety reasons. Finally, check the door one last time to confirm it’s properly locked before you leave.

Customizing the Opening and Closing Checklist by Retail Industry Vertical

While the core tasks of security and cash handling remain universal, a powerful store opening and closing procedure checklist must be tailored to the specific needs of your retail vertical.

Apparel and Softlines Retailers

• Fitting Room Audit: Closing staff must empty, count, and sign off on all items left in fitting rooms to account for potential loss prevention issues before items are put back on the floor.
• Visual Standards Check: Ensure all garments are correctly sized, folded to standard (folding table), and hung facing the correct direction according to the store’s visual merchandising guidelines.
• Security Tagging: The opening checklist must include a check of the deactivator pads at the cash wrap to ensure they are working properly to prevent false alarms.

Food Service and Quick Service Restaurants (QSR)

• Temperature Logging: Both opening and closing checklists must include mandated temperature checks for all cold-holding and hot-holding units (fridges, freezers, steam tables), with logs immediately filed.
• Date Stamping: The closing team must verify that all perishable ingredients are properly covered, labeled with a time and date stamp, and stored according to HACCP or local food safety standards.
• Waste Disposal: Opening staff must confirm that grease traps and exterior waste oil barrels have been secured and are not overflowing.

High-Value and Electronics Retailers

• Demo Unit Check: Opening staff must ensure all display/demo units are charged, functional, connected to Wi-Fi, and wiped clean of fingerprints.
• Display Case Security: Closing staff must verify that all high-value items (laptops, cameras, jewelry) are accounted for and that all display cases are double-locked and secured with visual confirmation.

High-Risk Store Opening and Closing Procedures

The time the store opens or closes represents the highest security risk of the day. Strict protocols are required to protect your staff, your assets, and your store.

Key Control and the Two-Person Rule

Minimize the risk of robbery or employee theft by implementing rigorous key control:

• Dual-Staff Opening/Closing: Whenever possible, require two authorized staff members to be present during both the opening and closing procedures. This acts as a witness system, significantly deterring internal and external threats.
• Key Security: Keys and alarm codes must be secured when not in use. Only authorized managers should carry store keys. If a key is lost, the alarm codes must be changed immediately, and key cylinders should be rotated.
• Safe Entry Protocol: Staff should wait until the store alarm is disarmed inside the premises before fully opening the main door. If the alarm fails to disarm, they should retreat to a safe location and immediately call the manager and the security company.

Cash Reconciliation and Discrepancy Protocol

The “Cash Management” closing task requires a formal follow-up when the till does not balance. This is crucial for loss prevention.

• Investigation Steps: If a cash shortage or overage greater than a set threshold (e.g., $5.00) is detected, the closing procedure cannot be finalized until a full recount is performed.
• Mandatory Documentation: If the discrepancy persists after the recount, the closing manager must immediately document the incident, noting the cashier, the amount, the POS terminal used, and any potential causes.
• Manager Sign-off: The discrepancy report must be signed by two parties (the counter and the closing manager) before the cash is secured for deposit.