Eye-opening statistics on retail cleanliness
The past year has been particularly challenging for those in the retail industry, but as the economy begins to reopen, things are looking up. The best way to maximise sales and increase brand loyalty is to stock a great range of products and deliver exceptional customer service – but if COVID-19 has taught us anything, it’s that cleanliness and hygiene should be a top priority for every business owner. Below, we’ve put together some eye-opening retail cleanliness statistics that will change the way you think about your cleaning regime – and perhaps make changes.
90% of customers say they’ll think negative of a business if it’s not clean
According to one study, 9 in 10 customers agree that they’re more likely to have an overall negative opinion of a business if the public spaces aren’t clean and well-maintained. From toilets and reception areas to lobbies, foyers, and the shop floor, you should implement a clear and strict cleaning rota that works for your employees and ensures a sparkling-clean reputation at all times, whether customers enter your store first-thing or before closing up.
94% would be turned off by dirty toilets
Nobody wants to spend time in a dirty or messy bathroom, yet so many small businesses overlook the importance of maintaining them throughout the day. 94% of people would avoid a business in the future if they encountered dirty bathrooms, so ensure they’re checked and cleaned at intervals throughout the day. How often you’ll need to clean them depends on your average footfall, but on average, checking three or four times a day should be enough.
Cleanliness is the most important element
Nowadays, encouraging customers to shop in your store rather than handing their money to an online rival is a challenge in itself. So when you do get them to walk through your doors, you must give off the right first impression. A recent study found that customers view cleanliness as the most influential element of the shopping environment, ahead of 13 other aspects like temperature, music, and aroma. If your store isn’t clean, people won’t shop.
The outside is just as important
95% of shoppers say that the exterior appearance of a retail premises influences where they decide to shop, and cleaning plays a role in that, too. Smudged or streaky windows signal that you don’t take pride in your store’s reputation, so invest in regular window cleaning and maintenance to revitalise your storefront. When you add in the fact that 52% of consumers have avoided businesses purely because the storefront was dirty, it demonstrates the need to conduct regular spot checks, where you look at your retail store through customers’ eyes.
Consumers will browse – but won’t spend if it’s dirty
According to a study from Initial Washroom Hygiene, 82% of UK shoppers said they won’t spend money in a store if it doesn’t look clean or hygienic. The same applies to the hospitality sector, with consumers in agreement that dirty toilets must be a dirty kitchen.
Don’t underestimate staff hygiene, either
79% of UK consumers said in a study that staff hygiene was a big factor when considering using a business. Invest in retail cleanliness and training to ensure staff are staying safe and compliant when dealing with customers; if you don’t, it could permanently damage your brand’s reputation.
Looking for assistance with commercial and industrial cleaning services? You can depend on the experts at Precision Facilities Management to ensure retail cleanliness, 24/7/365. Call our friendly team today on 0116 366 6508 to find out more and arrange a free quotation for your retail premises cleaning today.
