A clean store is one of the basic requirements that customers expect when they walk through the door.
If your store is cluttered or dirty, most customers will form a negative impression of your brand, which can cause long-lasting damage to your company's reputation. And with online reviews more widely read than ever, reputation means everything when it comes to surviving in a competitive market.
What are the Risks of an Unsanitized Store?
If your store isn't kept clean, it could become a breeding ground for bacteria or viruses. Since staff and customers come into contact with high-touch areas like door handles, shopping carts, and checkout counters, they can easily pick up germs. This can lead to the spread of illnesses like the flu and COVID-19.
Best Practices for Retail Store Sanitation
Before you begin tackling the dirt and grime, sit down and come up with a well-thought-out plan for regular cleaning and disinfecting. Make sure your plan is achievable with the manpower and resources at your disposal.
Then, train your employees on proper sanitation protocols and provide them with the necessary cleaning products and equipment.
When developing your plan, consider the following:
- Identify high-touch areas.
High-touch areas like door handles, shopping carts, and checkout counters should be cleaned and disinfected regularly throughout the day. If possible, you should also clean and disinfect dressing rooms and restrooms after each use.
- Determine the frequency of cleaning.
Depending on the size of your store and the number of customers you have, you may need to clean and disinfect high-touch areas multiple times per day. You should also schedule regular deep cleanings to ensure that all areas of your store are thoroughly sanitized.
- Choose the right cleaning products.
You should choose cleaning products that are effective against germs and viruses but also safe for your employees and customers. Look for products that are EPA-approved and follow the manufacturer's instructions for use.
4 More Tips for Keeping a Retail Store Sanitized
- Regular inspections and audits are essential.
You should schedule regular inspections to ensure that your employees are following the cleaning and disinfecting procedures outlined in your store sanitation plan. You should also conduct audits to ensure that your cleaning products and equipment are effective and up-to-date.
- Pay special attention to restrooms.
These places are frequently used and can quickly become unsanitary if proper cleaning schedules are not maintained. While cleaning the bathroom isn't the most glamorous job, make sure your employees understand its importance.
- Keep doors and windows clean.
People will notice dirty glass right away when they approach the store. Make a good first impression by keeping them spotless.
- Shelf and display organization is key.
Cluttered shelves make it difficult to remove dust or grime that slowly builds up over time. When possible, reduce the amount of products on display at any given time, which will make it easier to clean and disinfect.