Retail Store Opening Checklist

Pre-open inspection for retail locations — alarm/lighting, register cash counts, merchandising standards, customer-facing safety, and team huddle prep. Completed by manager-on-duty before doors open.

Security, Alarm, and Exterior Readiness

• Alarm system disarmed by authorized manager and no tamper alerts present
  Confirm the alarm is in the correct opening status and there are no active fault, tamper, or trouble indicators.
• All exterior doors unlocked and functioning normally
  Check that customer entrances open freely, close securely, and are free of obstruction.
• Exterior walkway, entry mats, and vestibule are clear and dry
  Verify walking surfaces at customer entrances are free of slip, trip, and fall hazards.
• Parking lot and storefront lighting operational
  Confirm exterior lighting is on and provides adequate visibility at entrances and customer approach areas.
• Storefront windows and entry glass are intact and unobstructed
  Inspect for damage, cracks, or blocked sightlines that could affect safety or customer access.
• Emergency exits are unlocked, clear, and properly marked
  Verify egress routes are unobstructed and exit signage is visible in accordance with fire-life-safety requirements.

Sales Floor Safety and Housekeeping

• Aisles are clear of boxes, carts, pallets, and stocking equipment
  Customer pathways must be unobstructed and wide enough for safe passage, including mobility device access where applicable.
• Floor surfaces are clean, dry, and free of slip or trip hazards
  Check for spills, loose debris, damaged flooring, curled mats, or cords crossing walkways.
• Merchandise displays are neat, stable, and within planogram standards
  Verify endcaps, feature tables, and promotional displays are properly faced, balanced, and not at risk of falling.
• Price tags, promotional signage, and shelf labels are accurate and visible
  Confirm customer-facing pricing and promotional information is legible, current, and aligned to current offers.
• High-risk merchandise is secured or displayed per store policy
  Check for sharp, fragile, heavy, or high-theft items that require locking, tethering, or controlled display.
• Fire extinguishers and emergency equipment are visible and accessible
  Confirm extinguishers, AEDs, and other emergency equipment are not blocked by stock or displays.

Registers, Cash, and POS Readiness

• All assigned registers booted and logged in successfully
  Confirm each active register or POS terminal is powered on and ready for customer transactions.
• Cash drawer opening count matches expected starting bank
  Record the opening cash count for each register and verify it matches the approved starting amount.
• Receipt paper, bags, and register supplies are stocked
  Check that each register has adequate receipt paper, bags, pens, and other required checkout supplies.
• Card reader, scanner, and payment peripherals function correctly
  Test the primary checkout devices for connectivity and transaction readiness.
• Price look-up and tax settings are correct in POS
  Verify the system reflects current pricing, tax configuration, and store-specific settings before opening.
• Safe cash handling controls are in place
  Confirm cash drawer access is restricted to authorized staff and deposit procedures are ready if needed.

Team Huddle and Opening Readiness

• Opening team present and in proper uniform / PPE as required
  Verify team members are on site, dressed according to dress code, and wearing required PPE where applicable.
• Team huddle completed with priorities, promotions, and safety reminders
  Document that the manager reviewed opening priorities, sales goals, customer service focus, and any safety or operational alerts.
• Roles assigned for registers, floor coverage, and recovery tasks
  Confirm each team member understands their opening assignment and coverage area.
• Any open deficiencies or non-conformances communicated to leadership
  Record unresolved issues that may affect opening, customer safety, or compliance and note escalation status.