The easiest way to lose retail customers is to give them a wrong first impression by entering a filthy retail store. When they see trash lying around, sticky floors, and dingy, dirty surfaces, they are likely to turn right around and leave. Filth is a top turn-off for customers.
According to Consumer Reports, the top overall preferred stores were also rated among the cleanest. Do you think there might be a connection there? We do! The fact cannot be denied that people prefer to shop in a clean and safe environment. This has become even more necessary in a post-pandemic world.
How do you know for sure that the store you are entering is truly clean? Consumers have become very skeptical today about store cleanliness. This is especially true behind the scenes, where the customer is not allowed. We've all seen and heard hidden camera shows revealing the not-so-pleasant side of restaurants, retail stores, and supermarkets.
There are certain qualities customers look for to ensure a retail store is truly clean. Here we help point those qualities out. After all, we help businesses achieve these high standards!
Qualities of a Clean Store
Neat and clean parking lots and sidewalks are important. These are the first areas customers see before entering a store. Keeping these areas well-kept and clean can speak volumes of a business. It sets the tone for a customer’s visit right from the start.
As with parking lots and sidewalks, having a pristine entryway should be prioritized. It should be well kept throughout business hours, especially during high traffic hours. By hiring a day porter, you can ensure the area is consistently cleaned, and you are prepared for any cleaning emergencies.
Entryways should be clean from top to bottom, free from debris as a customer enters the business. If not, the customer may draw the conclusion that you do not conduct frequent cleaning. It can also create a potential slip or fall hazard for those entering, putting them at risk.
It's crucial to offer customers trash and recycling cans, hand sanitizer, and hand wipes, especially for establishments that offer shopping carts and baskets, which often harbor germs.
Clean and freshly polished floors indicate a business is willing to invest in cleanliness and takes pride in a clean store. It also demonstrates concern for customers' welfare as you are providing a safe environment for them shop.
Now imagine what a dirty or scuffed up floor conveys. Thoughts often run wild, which could lead to the customer wondering what else is dirty throughout the store. Remember, people often talk more about poor experiences than positive ones.
Retail stores must also maintain hygienic restrooms. Restrooms should be bright, fresh-smelling, and fully stocked with all the essentials. This is another instance when a day porter can come in handy. They can assist in maintaining a store's restrooms throughout the day and during the busiest hours. Don't let your restrooms suffer the impact of neglect.
Store's Liability
Not only are these things necessary for cleanliness reasons, but they are essential for liability purposes. A store is responsible for keeping customers happy and safe. This not only means cleaning but keeping public areas free from potential hazards. When a store is negligent in doing so, it can be held accountable for injuries sustained due to that negligence.
Slip and fall injuries at a retail store are prevalent. To help avoid them, hire a professional cleaning service to maintain the store's cleaning needs!
Maintaining Your Reputation
Remember that people often share negative news more than positive. Now apply that to the internet. We live in a digital world where news travels faster than ever before. Most people carry cell phones, which means it's easy to snap a photo and share it instantly with the world.
A dirty store or slip and fall can become a PR nightmare. Don't let your store's reputation suffer when you can enlist the help of a professional cleaning service.
Cleaning Services that Fit Your Needs
When you hire a professional cleaning service, you can alleviate many of these concerns. They will make sure your store is clean and safe for employees and customers. Here is what they can do for you:
Create a routine cleaning schedule to fit your business's schedule and needs. A premier cleaning service will offer flexibility to meet your needs and streamline services as they become more familiar with your business.
Discuss a deep cleaning schedule with your professional cleaning service. This service is in addition to regular cleaning. It involves a more intense cleaning from top to bottom - including high ceiling areas, floors and carpets, windows, and everywhere in between. Depending on the store's needs, this service typically occurs about every six months to a year.
Check your business’s air quality. This is important for employee and customer safety. Airborne allergens cause allergic reactions and breathing troubles. Have ductwork and HVAC systems cleaned regularly to ensure there is no dust buildup.
Provide sanitation services. Hiring a professional cleaning service also guarantees high surface quality, which means surfaces customers touch will not just be clean but hygienic. They will be disinfected to eliminate infectious bacteria and viruses and the spread of disease.
Power wash areas regularly including sidewalks, parking lots, entryways, and the building's exterior walls and railings. Regular upkeep will keep these areas more accessible. Deep cleaning the parking lot once a year will improve the overall look and safety of the store. Removing embedded debris, oil stains, tire marks, and other built-up grime show that extra mile taken to keep the business clean and safe.
Bottom Line: Investing in professional cleaning services can help your business succeed.
Cleantec aims to offer helpful information to our clients and friends. We currently serve all of New York, including the Syracuse, Ithaca, Manhattan, Rochester, Utica, and Buffalo regions. We also have operations in Palo Alto, CA; Denver, CO; Muscle Shoals, AL; Tampa, FL; and Sanford, NC. Give our sales professionals a call at (877) 469-0543 for a free consultation and quote regarding janitorial services. Learn how we can help your business achieve your cleaning needs.
Cleantec ensures all staff members are thoroughly vetted conducting background checks and drug testing. In addition to providing professional cleaning services, we are also a supplier of specialized cleaning products and green chemicals. Please call (315) 463-5353 to place an order.
