Opening and closing are the two most important routines in any store. They protect your cash, stock and staff, and they are also the times when mistakes and robberies are most likely. Use this checklist to make sure every opening and closing is done properly, even when you are not there.
Store opening checklist
Before you unlock
- Arrive with at least two people where possible
- Check the outside of the store for damage, forced entry or people waiting nearby
- Look for anything unusual before disarming the alarm
Inside the store
- Disarm the alarm and lock the door behind you until opening time
- Switch on lights, music, screens and POS systems
- Count the opening float and load the tills
- Walk the sales floor and stockroom, and check fire exits are clear
- Check stock levels, prices and promotions
At opening time
- Raise shutters and unlock doors on time
- Make sure staff are at their stations and ready to serve
Store closing checklist
Before closing time
- Announce closing and start tidying the sales floor
- Move extra cash to the safe
After the last customer leaves
- Lock the front door and check the fitting rooms and restrooms are empty
- Count tills with two people and record any differences
- Put cash and valuables in the safe
- Lock stockroom doors, back doors and fire exits
- Switch off equipment and lights, and lower shutters
- Arm the alarm and leave together
How to make sure the checklist is followed
A checklist only works if someone actually completes it. Paper sign-off sheets are easy to fill in without doing the work. Remote monitoring gives you proof.
- Store opening monitoring confirms your store opened on time and safely every morning.
- Store closing checks confirm tills, doors, shutters and the alarm every night.
- Instant alerts tell you straight away if a step is missed or the store is late to open.
- Activity logs record every opening and closing for all of your locations.
Frequently asked questions
Why do stores need an opening and closing checklist?
Checklists make sure security, cash and safety steps are never skipped, especially by new or seasonal staff, and they reduce the risk of theft and robbery at the most vulnerable times of day.
How can I check my store closed properly without going there?
With store closing monitoring, an agent watches your cameras at closing time and confirms doors, tills, shutters and the alarm, then alerts you if anything is missed.
Should two people always open and close a store?
Where possible, yes. It improves staff safety and makes cash counts more reliable.
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