Ann Arbor retailers know the day after Thanksgiving is the busiest shopping day of the year.

One key component of planning for Black Friday, according to the National Retail Federation is planning for crowd control.

The NRF just released its Crowd Management Guidelines in addition to a step-by-step checklist for retailers planning for holiday crowds. The set of guidelines also addresses unexpected emergency management of crowds.

The guidelines outline the following essential components of a crowd control and/or emergency plan, including:

• Promotional/holiday sales and special events
• Sales and events versus emergency management crowd controls
• Mall-based retailers versus non mall-based retailers
• Crowd management guidelines references and contingency plans

“With Black Friday upon us, retailers are reviewing their contingency plans to make sure store associates and security are well prepared for the big day,” said Joe LaRocca, Senior Asset Protection Advisor, NRF.

“Whether it’s the holiday season, a celebrity appearance or an unplanned situation that requires security, retailers are constantly planning and preparing for even the most chaotic situations.”