Study: Majority of Americans negatively impacted by dirty stores

Cincinnati -- An overwhelming 99% of U.S. adults say poor cleanliness negatively impacts their perception of a retail store, according to a survey released Thursday. More specifically, dirty restrooms and unpleasant odor ranked as top annoyances over poor customer service, in the survey which was conducted by Harris Interactive for Cintas Corp.



When asked what experiences with poor cleanliness would negatively impact their perception of a retail store, 95% of respondents said unclean restrooms; followed by unpleasant odor (92%); poor customer service (90%); dirty floors (86%); dirty shopping carts (84%);, poor staff appearance (83%); spills or stains (81%); wet floors with no signage (76%); dusty surfaces (74%); and dirty glass and windows (68%).



“The retail industry is exceptionally competitive, so retailers must provide a pleasant shopping experience to attract and maintain loyal shoppers,” said Mike Thompson, senior VP Cintas Facility Services, Cincinnati. “This research affirms that maintaining a clean retail environment can significantly impact the success of a retail operation.”