Retail Closing Checklist

How to use this checklist

Print one for every shift, or pin a laminated copy by the back office. The goal isn't to catch anyone — it's to make sure the same steps happen the same way every night, so anything missing or off becomes obvious by morning.

1. Lock verification

• Front entry doors locked and pulled to confirm.
• Side / delivery doors locked. Push bars not propped.
• Storage rooms and offices secured.
• Roof hatches and ladder access secured (if applicable).

2. Register balancing

• Each drawer counted by the assigned cashier.
• Variance noted (over or short) with reason.
• Any variance over your threshold flagged for manager review.
• Tape / receipts retained per policy.

3. Cash drops

• All cash above float dropped into safe.
• Drop slip signed and timestamped.
• Safe locked and verified.
• Deposit prepared for next-day drop (if applicable).

4. High-risk merchandise checks

• Walk the high-risk fixtures (electronics, liquor, cosmetics, tobacco, etc.).
• Spot-count any item that's been disappearing recently.
• Empty packaging / security tags found on the floor — note location.
• Display cases locked.

5. Camera checks

• DVR / NVR powered and recording.
• All camera feeds visible — no black tiles.
• Lenses not obstructed or rotated.
• Storage retention healthy (no overwrite warnings).

6. Alarm verification

• All zones ready / no faults.
• Alarm armed in correct mode (away / stay).
• Confirmation tone / app notification received.

7. Exterior walkthrough

• Parking lot checked for stragglers or suspicious vehicles.
• Trash / dumpster area clear (no merchandise being staged).
• Exterior lights working.
• Signage and storefront undamaged.

8. Manager signoff

This checklist is a general-purpose template. Adapt it to your store's specific policies, local regulations, and insurance requirements.