The cleanliness of your retail store is essential to your customers' experience. A clean and inviting space shows off your goods and presents your business as reputable and respected. When your customers feel comfortable and happy shopping in your store, they are more likely to return.
Your retail store’s appearance can make or break a customer’s experience. Here are some tips for cleaning your retail store:
1. Disinfect Properly
To sanitise your retail store, focus on the high-touch areas that customers and staff use throughout the day. This includes door handles, countertops, tabletops, reception areas, dressing rooms, and the areas behind the register and order counters.
These areas should be wet-wiped and polished, and any clutter should be tidied up and organised. This will not only help to prevent the spread of germs, but it will also make your store look more presentable and inviting.
2. Dust Away
Dusting is an essential part of maintaining a clean and inviting retail store. When customers walk into your store, they expect to see dust-free shelves, display cases, lights, and wall fixtures. A well-dusted store creates a positive shopping experience and makes customers more likely to return.
In addition to its aesthetic benefits, dusting is also important for safety and health. Dust can contain allergens, bacteria, and other harmful substances. Regularly dusting your store's surfaces helps to reduce the risk of allergies, asthma attacks, and other respiratory problems.
3. Glass & Mirrors Must be Spotless
Sparkling glass and mirrors are essential for a clean and professional retail environment. Not only do they make your store look its best, but they also reflect positively on your business and brand.
Daily wiping and polishing of mirrors, glass doors, and display cases will help to remove fingerprints, smudges, and dust, keeping them looking their best. This will show your customers that you are attentive to detail and take pride in your store's appearance.
When your store is clean and tidy, shoppers are more likely to feel comfortable and relaxed, which makes them more likely to browse and buy.
4. Vacuum and Polish the Floors and Carpets
Clean your floors daily, regardless of the type of flooring you have in your retail space. Polishing and vacuuming will help to keep your shop looking attractive and clean, and they also help your floors last longer. Be sure to clean up any dirt and debris that accumulates throughout the day, and do a thorough cleaning at the end of the day.
5. Mind the Area for Your Staff
In addition to the front of your retail store, you must also clean the staff areas daily or weekly to maintain good health and a pleasant work environment. These areas include restrooms, kitchen and lounge areas, hallways, and exits.
6. Clean up the Walls and Furniture Too
Your walls and furniture are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning, but they can get just as dirty as the rest of your store. To keep them looking their best, spot clean smudges and stains immediately and wipe down surfaces regularly. This will help maintain the longevity of your paint job and furniture.
7. Deep Clean Once a Year
Deep cleaning your retail store is an essential part of maintaining a clean and professional image. While regular cleaning tasks are important, deep cleaning can help to remove dirt, grime, and allergens that can build up over time. This can help to improve your store's appearance, create a healthier environment for employees and customers, and extend the life of your fixtures and equipment.
8. Get Professional Cleaning
One of the best ways to keep your retail store looking its best is to hire a professional cleaning crew to come in on a regular basis. The cleaning staff should be educated on any special sanitising needs, procedures, and requirements that are involved with having a presence in a retail environment.
Benefits of a Clean Retail Environment
Customer Satisfaction
Customers are more likely to shop at a clean and well-organised store. A study by ISSA - The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association found that 95% of shoppers say that cleanliness is important to them when making a purchase decision.
Brand Image
A clean store reflects positively on the brand and its values. Customers are more likely to trust and respect a brand that takes pride in its appearance.
Employee Morale
Employees are also happier and more productive in a clean work environment. A study by the University of California, Berkeley found that employees who work in clean offices are more likely to report feeling satisfied with their jobs and less likely to experience stress.
Health and Safety
A clean store helps to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. This is especially important in food and beverage retail stores, where contamination can lead to serious health problems.
Equipment and inventory protection
Dirt and dust can damage equipment and inventory. A regular cleaning program can help to extend the life of these assets and save money in the long run.
Retail Store Cleaning Strategies
Showroom Cleanliness
The showroom is the most important part of a retail store, as it is where customers come to browse and purchase products. It is essential to keep the showroom clean and tidy at all times. This includes sweeping and mopping the floors, dusting the shelves and fixtures, and polishing the mirrors and windows.
It is also important to keep the showroom free of clutter and merchandise that is not on display. This will create a more spacious and inviting environment for customers.
Stockroom Cleanliness
The stockroom is another vital part of a retail store, as it is where products are stored and prepared for sale. It is essential to keep the stockroom clean and organised to ensure the safety and quality of the products.
This includes sweeping and mopping the floors, dusting the shelves and fixtures, and keeping the aisles clear of debris. Store products properly to prevent damage and contamination.
For commercial and shopping centre cleaning questions and concerns, call Performance Cleaning at 1300 867 872.