The store manager at a clothing shop on International Drive called me a couple months back. Had an armed guard for two years, customers complained he was intimidating, made the place feel unsafe instead of safer.
“Can you replace him with someone who doesn’t look like they’re expecting a shootout?” she asked.
Switched to an unarmed guard. Sales went up, complaints stopped, shoplifting stayed low. Go figure.
What’s Really Happening in Orlando Retail
Been working retail security 12+ years. Used to be everyone wanted armed guards – thought bigger gun meant better protection. That’s changing fast, especially in Orlando.
Tourists don’t want to shop somewhere that feels like a war zone. Families with kids get nervous seeing guns. Local customers wonder what kind of problems you’re expecting.
Plus, most retail theft isn’t violent. Shoplifters grab stuff and run. They’re not looking for gunfights. Having an armed guard for shoplifting is like using a sledgehammer to hang a picture.
The Real Numbers on Retail Theft
Retail stores lose money to:
- Shoplifting (customers stealing)
- Employee theft (workers stealing)
- Organized retail crime (groups hitting multiple stores)
- Return fraud (fake returns)
- Credit card fraud
None of this requires shooting anyone. Most thieves avoid stores with any visible security. Doesn’t matter if the guard is armed or not – they just see “security” and go somewhere easier.
Had a client track losses for six months after switching from armed to unarmed. Theft didn’t increase. Customer complaints dropped 80%. Employee turnover went down because staff felt more comfortable.
Why Unarmed Works Better for Most Stores
Customer comfort. Families shopping with kids don’t want armed guards around. Creates tension instead of safety.
Employee preference. Most retail workers prefer unarmed security. Less intimidating, easier to work with.
Insurance costs. Armed guards can increase liability insurance. Something goes wrong with a weapon, lawsuits get expensive fast.
Training and costs. Good armed guards cost more and need ongoing weapons training. Unarmed guards focus on customer service and de-escalation.
Police relationships. Cops prefer dealing with unarmed security. Less confusion about who’s who if something happens.
What Unarmed Guards Actually Do
People think unarmed means helpless. That’s not true. Good unarmed guards:
- Deter theft just by being visible
- Handle customer disputes before they escalate
- Spot shoplifters and suspicious behavior
- Call police when needed
- Assist with medical emergencies
- Help with crowd control during sales
- Provide customer service (directions, information)
Had an unarmed guard at a electronics store who caught three employee theft cases in one month. Didn’t need a gun to notice inventory disappearing or cash register irregularities.
Orlando-Specific Challenges
Tourist areas – International Drive, Universal area, Disney Springs. Armed guards scare tourists. They’re on vacation, want to feel relaxed.
Shopping malls – Fashion Square, Orlando City Commons, Millenia. Families don’t want kids seeing guns while shopping for clothes.
Strip centers and plazas – Lots of small retailers, restaurants, services. Armed security feels excessive for a nail salon or phone repair shop.
Downtown retail – Mixed with restaurants and entertainment. Armed guards change the whole vibe.
When Armed Guards Make Sense
Don’t get me wrong – some retail situations need armed security:
- Jewelry stores with expensive inventory
- Electronics stores in high-crime areas
- Stores that handle large amounts of cash
- Places that have had armed robberies before
- Stores in isolated locations
But that’s maybe 10% of retail. Rest of the time, unarmed works better.
Cost Differences
Armed guards: $22-28/hour in Orlando area Unarmed guards: $15-20/hour
For 40 hours per week, that’s $280-320 extra weekly, $1,200-1,400 monthly. Add weapons training, insurance increases, and armed guards get expensive fast.
Most retail stores operate on thin margins. That extra cost better be worth it.
Customer Psychology
Shoppers make quick judgments about stores. Armed guard at the door sends messages:
- “This place has serious crime problems”
- “Management expects violence”
- “Maybe I should shop somewhere safer”
Unarmed security sends different message:
- “This store cares about customer safety”
- “Professional business with good standards”
- “Safe place to bring my family”
Employee Perspective
Talked to dozens of retail workers over the years. Most prefer unarmed guards because:
- Less intimidating when they need help with difficult customers
- Easier to communicate with during normal operations
- Don’t have to worry about weapons in the workplace
- Creates better overall work environment
Had one manager tell me, “My teenage employees were scared of our armed guard. That’s not the work environment I want.”
What Good Unarmed Security Looks Like
Professional appearance – Clean uniform, neat grooming, friendly but alert demeanor.
Customer service skills – Can give directions, answer basic questions, help with problems.
De-escalation training – Knows how to calm down angry customers without making things worse.
Observation skills – Notices suspicious behavior, remembers details for reports.
Communication – Works well with store staff, knows when to call police.
Physical fitness – Can respond quickly if needed, but focuses on prevention over confrontation.
Common Mistakes Stores Make
Hiring cheapest option. Bad unarmed guard is worse than no guard. You get what you pay for.
No clear expectations. Guard needs to know what you want them to do beyond “watch for shoplifters.”
Wrong placement. Guard standing by the door like a bouncer versus walking the floor engaging with customers.
Poor communication with staff. Guard and employees need to work as team.
Red Flags in Security Companies
Promise to eliminate all theft. Nobody can guarantee that.
Push armed guards for every situation. Some companies make more money on armed services.
Can’t provide local references. Want to talk to other Orlando retailers about their experience.
Lowest bid with no explanation. Usually means corners getting cut somewhere.
Orlando Market Reality
Lots of security companies here because of tourism industry. Not all understand retail. Some focus on event security, hotels, nightclubs. Different skills needed for retail.
Look for companies that:
- Work with other Orlando retailers
- Understand customer service expectations
- Have experience with theft prevention
- Know local laws and police procedures
Our Approach
USA Security & Protection Group LLC provides unarmed retail security throughout Florida:
Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Weston, Plantation, Port Saint Lucie, Palm Bay, Cocoa Beach, Fort Myers – and Orlando area.
We focus on guards who can prevent problems while keeping customers comfortable. Most retail theft prevention is about being visible, alert, and professional.
Bottom Line
Armed guards have their place, but most Orlando retail stores do better with professional unarmed security. Costs less, customers prefer it, employees are more comfortable.
The goal isn’t to win gunfights. It’s to prevent theft while creating positive shopping experience. Good unarmed guards do that better than armed guards for most retail situations.
Call us at (954) 477-1088 or email USACURITYPROGROUPLLC@GMAIL.COM if you want to discuss security options for your Orlando retail location.
We’ll tell you honestly whether you need armed or unarmed, based on your specific situation, not what makes us more money.
