Contract cleaning in retail: Understanding innovation and best practices

Jen Bates, Sector Managing Director – Retail, OCS UK & Ireland, reports.

Maintaining an inviting, hygienic and safe environment is vitally important for retailers. Today’s customers expect pristine store floors and spotless facilities. For facilities management (FM) providers, they must strike the balance of delivering consistent results whilst adopting innovative technologies, all whilst controlling the budget. The evolving demand within this sector is driving significant changes in how FM providers are approaching contract cleaning.

Understanding cleaning in retail post-pandemic

Largely, this change lies in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The events of the early 2020s fundamentally shifted the public’s perception of cleanliness, and today, it is now a key factor in customer decision-making. Research in 2022 found that 58% of shoppers have changed their habits due to how unsafe they believe the shops to be, highlighting a greater need for businesses to demonstrate excellence in hygiene. Although sanitisation levels required during the height of the pandemic have relaxed significantly, visible cleaning activities have become a permanent fixture. For example, at OCS we heighten the visibility of our cleaning teams during peak traffic periods, shifting the presence of cleaning teams from a behind-the-scenes task to a core component of the customer experience.

Leveraging technology to enable smarter cleaning

To achieve best practise for contract cleaning, FM providers are increasingly turning to data-driven solutions and innovative technologies to optimise cleaning efficiency. Occupancy and Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled sensors can monitor foot traffic patterns, helping to identify areas of high traffic during peak trading times like Black Friday or the January sales.

Taking advantage of geo-tagging systems can further enhance operational efficiency for cleaning. By tracking the movements of colleagues, FM providers can not only identify inefficiencies, but they can adjust cleaning schedules and zones to improve performance in real-time. For instance, cleaners might unknowingly lose up to 30 minutes of their shift traveling unnecessarily between areas. At OCS, we strive to stay ahead of the curve, harnessing emerging technologies to provide personalised, efficient and immersive retail experiences. By adopting targeted interventions, such as geo-tagging technology, FM providers can significantly enhance productivity, whilst bringing operational costs down.

Autonomous robotics and cobotics are also having a notable contribution for cleanliness, particularly in large-scale retail environments such as DIY and food retailers. Automated floor-cleaning machines, which can handle routine tasks, are not only improving the efficiency of cleaning rates, but they are reducing the physical strain on cleaning teams, fostering a healthier workforce. It’s not surprising that the adoption rate of this technology is growing. In 2023, it was estimated that the global robot cleaning market is worth approximately 44.96 billion and trends point to a 22.9% increase by 2030. As businesses continue to seek ways to reduce operational costs whilst maintaining high standards, expect to see more cobotics gracing shop floors in years ahead.

Looking ahead: The future of contract cleaning in retail

The future of contract cleaning for retailers lies in the seamless integration of technology, tailored services, and a customer-centric approach. As FM providers continue to embrace the benefits of innovative technologies, they must be adaptable to the evolving needs of their customers whilst being vigilant to market trends.

Additionally, the growing emphasis towards the use of sustainable cleaning products and practices present a real opportunity for FM providers to adopt green cleaning practices to make a lasting impact. Using eco-friendly products, minimising water and chemical usage, and investing in energy-efficient technologies can help both FM providers and retailers meet their sustainability goals whilst enhancing their brand reputation at the same time.

As customers continue to value cleanliness as a vital component of their shopping experience, the role of FM providers in shaping this experience cannot be overstated. Contract cleaning should not just be solely focused on maintaining hygiene. Through leveraging smart technologies and establishing cleaning teams as a core aspect of a retailer’s facility management, this service will create environments that inspire satisfaction and loyalty.

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