MIDLAND, Texas —
Preparation for Black Friday at Midland Park Mall begins long before November and staff has to triple check that everything is in order for all parties involved, according to Marketing Director Heather Anderson.
That is especially true when it comes to safety.
“It definitely takes some coordination. Of course we know it's coming every year," Anderson said. "The stores know what to do, you know, they have their own policy, and our security team have meetings, they have several meetings prior to Black Friday to make sure that they execute their plans as necessary and are planning for anything that might be unforeseen."
Anderson went on to say, "of course, the mall staff, we are very diligent during this time as well and we are fully staffed and walking the center, making sure that everybody has what they need and their shopping experience is wonderful."
Not only are all current employees brought in on Black Friday but even outside help is brought in to lend a hand where needed.
“It is all hands on deck, we bring in all of our officers," Anderson said. "We even hire off-duty Midland police officers to come and assist as well and we've got officers patrolling outside and inside the center all day. Plus the entire Midland Park Mall staff, we come in and we also, you know, walk around and monitor and make sure everything's okay.”
Aside from the safety side of things, Anderson said staff also makes sure that general foot traffic in the mall and outside in the parking lot runs smoothly.
“We want to make sure that everything is flowing, and people can get by if there's a major spill, we're on top of it really quickly," Anderson said. "If there's something else going on in the parking lot, we make sure and communicate where somebody's still inside, but then somebody goes out and assists with the parking lot situation. But usually it's pretty self-sufficient, which we appreciate and we're glad that that we don't really ever have any issues, but everybody's prepared just in case.”