"Industries at risk include the retail/wholesale businesses,” noted Mac Nadel, Marsh Retail/Wholesale, Food & Beverage Practice. “Bedbug infestations can interrupt the normal flow of business if stores need to be closed down, and can have a negative impact on consumer confidence. Retailers need to understand the various sources of infestation, and how to properly manage the damages. A fundamental principle of crisis management is to be proactive – anticipate impacts on your organization and plan ahead.”
Marsh recommends the following actions to minimize the impact of a bedbug incident for retail/wholesale businesses:
* Call in a reputable exterminator immediately.
* Designate a single spokesperson for all media inquiries.
* Prepare a media statement.
* Instruct employees to accept returns, with limited questions asked.
* Have a plan in place on how to handle/isolate returned goods.
* Close stores temporarily, if necessary.
* Ensure that contaminated products are appropriately handled.
* Communicate with employees.
* If the store is located in a mall, inform mall management.