People notice when a retail store is not clean. They take note of checkouts that are not well-maintained or dusted, or grimace when they notice smears or smudges on mirrors and walls. Most people will not return to a store that is cluttered or dusty.
That is why the initial impression you give your customers is an important one. Customers simply will not tolerate a store that fails to meet the “white glove” test of cleanliness.
Some Revealing Statistics
According to research on retail cleanliness, almost 15% of consumers said that they would not visit a store if it was not as clean as they expected. Not only that, close to 30% said they would not visit an unclean store unless they had no other choice.
Generally, shopping is seen as a leisurely experience for a shopper – almost an adventure. People like to shop, to connect with their favourite products or brands. The atmosphere in which they shop can greatly affect their mood. When these products or brands are not displayed in the best possible light, it lends to a great deal of disappointment, which also leads to a reduction in sales.
If a store is cluttered, dirty or untidy, it can cause consumers to feel stressed out or negative. Therefore, a store manager needs to consider the general feelings of every individual that walks through their store. Not only are retail stores highly trafficked areas, but they also are a breeding ground for bacteria. As a result, a store that is not clean can be considered a health risk. That is why it is imperative to partner with a company that offers retail cleaning services and specialises in this kind of work.
You have to be realistic. Your sales employees are not trained to clean, nor do they know how to sanitise a store properly. Therefore, the responsibility of cleaning does not fall within their limited job description. Including cleaning as a task can cause feelings of resentment and an attitude of frustration, all of which can affect employee retention rates. The amount of money lost, in turn, can be substantial if it happens in more than one store.
Why You Need to Contract the Cleaning for Your Store
A small task, like cleaning, can lead to a loss of profit for your business – a loss that can trigger a closure or distrust in your local community. When you contract a professional to clean your store, it will make a noted difference in employee and customer attitudes as well as hopefully increasing the amount of traffic your regularly receive. Using a professional cleaner shows your customers that you truly care about their well-being and overall shopping experience in your store.
Plus, professional cleaners work with equipment that is specifically designed for cleaning a retail area. When cleaning is handled by a third party, employees can focus on their job of serving customers – all of which makes everyone more productive and happy.
If you are not using a professional cleaning service currently, make it a point to schedule an appointment to talk about the benefits associated with regular cleaning.