Think about any retail establishment you visit throughout the greater Boston area. Whether it is a cell phone outlet in Waltham or a cozy cafe in Medford, do you notice when the place looks a little dirty or unkempt? You wouldn’t be alone. Even though retail operators sometimes forget, customers do notice a lack of cleanliness.
We bring this up because we believe commercial cleaning for retail is a no brainer. Retail employees have enough on their plates answering customer questions and converting browsers into paying customers. Having to put time and energy into cleaning doesn’t fly. And it doesn’t work well, either.
First impressions matter in retail. For that reason alone, partnering with a commercial cleaning service is a good idea. But every good first impression is followed by a second impression later on. So retail operators can’t afford for their spaces to ever look dirty and unkempt.
Clean and Clutter-Free Floors
People look at different things when they first enter a retail establishment. For some, it’s the floors. A dirty floor that looks like it hasn’t been vacuumed or mopped in quite a while turns people off. Customers can cut Boston retailers some slack during the winter, especially around entryways, but floors should otherwise look clean.
Clutter is another problem that makes retail floors unattractive. From our perspective, removing clutter does not fall under the cleaning category in terms of a service we could provide. But clutter does make our job more difficult. So getting rid of it is good for both customers and cleaning crews.
Clean Windows Are an Invitation
Retail establishments have windows for a reason. It is less about letting light in and more about giving customers a look at what’s inside. That’s why urban shops boast huge picture windows out front. Even storefronts in the local mall or shopping plaza boast large glass facades.
Here’s the thing: clean windows act as an invitation to customers. They say to customers, “Come on in and see what we’ve got!” But it’s only if the windows are clean. Dirty windows tell customers just the opposite. They tell people to stay away because this is a business they really don’t want to get involved with.
Commercial cleaning for retail can include window cleaning. You don’t have to hire a separate window-cleaning service.
Cleaning High Touch Surfaces
Commercial cleaning for retail has a significant impact on aesthetics. But under the surface, hygiene is still important. That’s why a good commercial cleaning company will always emphasize cleaning high-touch surfaces.
High-touch surfaces include things like doorknobs, light switches, countertops, and furniture. In a clothing store, the hooks, mirrors, and benches associated with dressing rooms are also high touch.
Cleaning and sanitizing high-touch surfaces reduces the spread of germs. It can contribute to healthier and happier customers – at least in the sense that they are less likely to pick up a runny nose or sore throat after visiting your establishment.
Don’t Forget the Bathrooms
It would be inappropriate to talk about commercial cleaning for retail without mentioning the bathrooms. Even if a shop’s bathrooms are reserved only for employees, cleanliness is still important. Bathrooms should not be a harbinger for germs. And on the outside chance that a customer should ask to use the bathroom because of an emergency, you still want the space to present a positive image.
First impressions are everything in retail. A dirty and unkempt shop will turn customers away faster than questionable customer service and high prices. Boston-area establishments struggling with cleanliness should absolutely consider bringing in a commercial cleaning company.