The five challenges of a clean retail environment
Hygiene in retail has become increasingly important in recent years. Today, customers want to shop in a safe and clean environment. A clean store is inviting and represents your brand. It contributes, both consciously and unconsciously, to a positive shopping experience and encourages customers to return more often.
However, cleaning often does not receive the attention it deserves. That is why we have listed the five biggest cleaning challenges in retail.
1. Uniformity of cleaning
How is cleaning organised within your retail chain? Does the entire chain work according to a fixed method? Are there work plans that specify when each area should be cleaned, how often, and with which type of product?
There is a good chance that the answer to all three questions is "no". What we often see is that individual stores are responsible for their own cleaning. A thorough cleaning may take place on Monday morning, while during the rest of the week the store is only quickly vacuumed at the end of the day. In addition, each employee cleans in their own way. This is usually not due to unwillingness, but rather a lack of structure and support in terms of knowledge.
2. Retaining cleaning knowledge despite staff turnover
Retail is currently facing high staff turnover. This means that not only good salespeople leave your organisation, they also take with them the knowledge of how your store operates, including how it is cleaned.
If this cleaning approach is not documented, there is a risk that gaps will appear in your cleaning routine. How do you maintain a high level of cleaning quality across your stores?
3. The right cleaning products and materials for your store
Another question: does your staff buy cleaning products and materials from the local supermarket? This is something we often see in retail. With a limited facilities budget, store employees purchase the items they need themselves.
Due to a lack of specific cleaning knowledge, we often see the use of standard household products such as bleach. These are not always the safest or most efficient options, not to mention their environmental impact. Using the wrong products or methods often leads to damage to surfaces.
4. Control over costs and budget
As described above, stores often have a facilities budget from which all necessary cleaning supplies are purchased. These expenses are usually made from a cash fund, but without clear oversight or visibility. This makes it difficult to maintain control over costs.
What if we told you that by using more efficient cleaning products, you can often reduce these costs? There are also digital solutions available that provide insight into your cleaning expenses and allow you to adjust where needed.
5. Sustainability
We all know that it is important to contribute to a clean environment. Stores can also play their part by adopting sustainable cleaning methods.
And don't let the idea that this would be more expensive hold you back. That is no longer the case today. High-quality products and materials with a sustainable profile can also help reduce costs while making a positive impact.