Retail Store Cleaning and The Customer’s Perspective
Cleanliness is essential to any retail operation. Numerous studies have shown that the cleanliness of the retail environment is directly linked to customer satisfaction and sales volume. In fact, many studies show that a clean retail store not only encourages people to make a purchase but to make larger purchases as well.
As a retail manager, you likely spend a great deal of time in your retail establishment. Let’s face it, sometimes it seems like the job is never done. While your dedication to your retail operation is important to your success, it also can make you ‘blind’ to the actual cleanliness of your store. The fact of the matter is that your customers are often much more discerning (and critical) of your store’s cleanliness than you are.
Your Book Is Judged By Its Cover
They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but consumers judge businesses by their storefronts all the time. An incredible 95% of shoppers say the appearance of a store’s exterior influences where they shop. More than two-thirds of consumers say they’ve decided not to enter a business because its storefront was unappealing, and more than half of consumers have avoided a business purely because the storefront was dirty.
A clean storefront is essential to getting consumers through the front door. This means clean parking lots, sidewalks, and entryways, not to mention streak-free windows and dust-free window displays. In the current pandemic, consumers also want to see hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes, especially if carts and baskets are offered. Overflowing trash cans, ashtrays, and poor lighting are also sure turnoffs for potential shoppers.
Show Off Your Showroom
A clean storefront is just a start. Once a customer enters your store they are still making judgments with regard to cleanliness. Your showroom or sales floor needs to be squeaky clean.
Clean Floors
Nothing says ‘squeaky clean’ like a gleaming, polished floor. Make certain that your showroom floor is always free of debris, dust, and spills, and hire professional floor cleaners to clean and polish on a regular basis. If your retail establishment has carpeted floors, vacuum them daily, and have them professionally cleaned on a regular basis. Dirty and stained carpets are a definite turnoff for retail shoppers and are often the source of foul odors.
Dust-Free Displays
They call them ‘displays’ for a reason – they are designed to display your merchandise and your merchandise needs to shine. Make sure that your display tables, shelving, and lifters are always dust-free and shining, and don’t forget the merchandise. Dusty merchandise looks used or old and is not likely to appeal to even less discerning customers.
Sparkling Checkout Counters
Your checkout counters should be clean and sanitary as well as clutter-free. This is likely the last interaction your customer will have with your store and you want them to leave with a positive impression. This is another perfect opportunity to offer hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.
Keep Your Fitting Rooms Fit
Statistics show that 70% of clothing purchase decisions are made in the fitting room. A dirty fitting room will cost you sales and customers. People want to try before they buy and they want a clean and sanitary space in which to do it. Your fitting rooms should be cleaned after every use to ensure that they are clean and sanitary for the next customer.
Don’t Forget The Restrooms
Restrooms are a pain point for most customers. In fact, a whopping 66% of consumers say a dirty or foul-smelling restroom will cause them to stop patronizing a store forever. That is a customer you will never see again and for good reason. Restrooms are a haven for all types of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that without proper hygiene can be spread throughout your store. In most customers’ eyes, a dirty restroom equates to a dirty store.
And while no one likes a dirty restroom, it is also the one room that nobody wants to clean. Restrooms are quite possibly the number one reason you should hire a commercial cleaning service.
Hire A Commercial Cleaning Company
While you and your employees need to maintain your store’s cleanliness on a daily basis, hiring a commercial cleaning company to perform regular deep cleaning services is the best way to ensure that your retail establishment shines. A qualified commercial cleaning service can manage your floors, restrooms, parking lots, and building exterior, as well as every other nook and cranny of your store. Customer perceptions matter. Make sure they have a positive perception of your retail operation.