Retail cleaning therapy
December 1st 2003

Times are changing in the retail industry. Shops have longer opening hours, and consumers are becoming ever more demanding when it comes to quality and hygiene standards. According to research, clean floors are strongly associated with increased impulse buying, so investing in cleanliness can also have a considerable commercial benefit. Karen James, sales and marketing director at Nilfisk- Advance, looks at how machinery manufacturers can help turn the challenge of retail cleaning into increased profit opportunities Retail is a fiercely competitive sector. While part of the pressure relates to price and service, studies have shown that sales go up when floors are kept aggressively clean, and customers relate clean floors to the quality of the goods. With the right floor care package retailers can convert cleaning from just another expense to an essential asset in the battle to win customers. No longer just a weekly chore, visiting a smart out of town shopping mall is now considered by many as an enjoyable leisure activity, and the environment in which people shop plays a key role in the total shopping experience. But with longer opening hours, theres less time for cleaning. Plus theres an ongoing demand for independent stores and large chains to maintain, or even improve, quality standards while reducing cleaning costs. Technological advancements in the design of cleaning equipment are a key component in solving this common dilemma. With less time to clean when the shop is closed, retail floor care today relies on quiet, unobtrusive machines that can be used even while customers are in the store. As far as noise levels are concerned, switching to battery-powered alternatives provides a considerably quieter alternative to electric powered models. And when time is at a premium, high productivity is vital. This can be achieved with the wide range of products now available, such as scrubber/dryers that clean and dry hard floors in a single pass, and ride-on machines that are much faster than walk-behind models. Using multi-function machines that scrub and strip hard floors will also optimise cleaning time. Dealing with the variety of different floor coverings used in todays shopping centres from polished stone to hardwood and carpet can present a real headache for those who have to keep them looking as good as new. Its essential to use the correct type of equipment and detergent to ensure an effective result and avoid causing surface damage. This is an area where machinery manufacturers can provide invaluable advice, including putting equipment through relevant tests to ensure its safe to use on a particular floor type. Theres also that perennial problem slippery floors. Wet spills can prove hazardous if they arent dealt with immediately, and the choice of floor may contribute to the problem. Tiled floors are very popular, however, while they are inexpensive to lay and maintain, they tend to become unsafe when water collects in joints between tiles. Not only does this create an unacceptable risk for customers and employees, it also means that the floor gets dirty again more quickly as the water dissolves the dirt on peoples shoes and shopping trolley wheels. In this situation wed recommend one of the latest battery-powered scrubber/dryers, which have a powerful suction so that they leave the floor practically dry. In addition to safety considerations, maintaining a clean, smooth surface means that day-to-day cleaning is easier and more effective, and theres the added benefit that a well- maintained floor has a much longer life. A recent trend in the supermarket industry is a growing demand for organic produce and concern for the welfare of animals used in food production. In line with this thinking, many food stores are looking for green cleaning methods and more environmentally friendly practices and detergents. Again, battery-powered machines are ideal in this situation. Simple to use and ergonomically designed, they have no polluting exhaust or cables and have a very low noise level. Of course, retail cleaning is not just restricted to inside. Open and covered car parks also need to be kept litter-free to portray a professional image to customers. Keeping parking areas and pedestrian walkways free from leaves and other debris can be achieved with a walk-behind sweeper, or ride-on models for larger areas. Retail cleaning is a complex function that needs to take account of safety, hygiene, aesthetics and of course, cost. Alongside this, the growing diversification among leading chains is putting pressure on cleaning professionals to provide an even broader range of specialist solutions. For their part, cleaning equipment manufacturers can help ease that pressure by recommending the most cost-effective and productive package for a particular requirement, as well as advising on how to deal with specific cleaning problems.

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