The National Retail Federation moved yesterday to get out ahead of the anticipated frenzy of Black Friday shopping by issuing guidelines to help retailers deal with crowd control issues.

Nobody wants a repeat of last year's post-Thanksgiving tragedy in which a 34-year-old temporary worker was trampled at a New York Wal-Mart or even the rioting that reportedly ensued last month after a hoax in which a woman offered to buy clothes for customers at a Burlington Coat Factory store in Ohio.

Retailers are under pressure to offer promotions that stand out in a recessionary economy, even as consumers are intensely focused on getting the best prices. "The appetite for deals and bargains is elevated," said Ellen Davis, vice president of the Washington, D.C., trade group, yesterday during a conference call with the media.

For planned promotions -- such as a limited offering of deeply discounted TVs or early-bird giveaways -- the retail federation's experts suggested plenty of communication with everyone from mall management to local law enforcement.

In addition, it can be effective to hold dress rehearsals for sale events, hire extra security, use tickets or wristbands to assure customers of their place in line and provide entertainment for those waiting. If there's bad news about the availability of merchandise, officials said, customers may take it better from a friendly store employee who has been hanging out with them since 2 a.m.

Retailers also are advised to make sure someone in every store has authority to make decisions as unexpected developments occur.

Techniques included in the guidelines aren't new, said Joe LaRocca, senior asset protection adviser for the trade group, but the tough economic environment has seen retailers who don't typically hold special events trying out new promotions.

Meanwhile, a Wal-Mart spokeswoman said yesterday that the nation's largest retailer this year has developed store-specific plans for all of its U.S. locations, in consultation with experts in the sports and entertainment fields.

Specifically, the plans focus on three key areas. The company worked out strategies for customer approach and entry into stores; customer flow through the stores and near promotional merchandise; and flow through checkout aisles and away from the stores.

"We are committed to looking for ways to make our stores even safer for our customers and associates this holiday season," said Daphne Moore, director of corporate communications. "We are confident our customers can look forward to a safe and enjoyable shopping experience."

"Money Q&A" and "Company Town" are featured exclusively at PG+, a members-only web site of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.