Spring Cleaning Tips
Spring Cleaning Tips
Spring has sprung and it’s time to get the winter grime off your home and business. Overwhelmed? Here are some tips to get you started!
Make a Plan
Spring cleaning almost always makes things worse before it gets better. Pick a day your store is closed so that your customers aren’t inconvenienced. Open 7-days a week? Pick a quieter time of day to do your cleaning. Recruit friends, family or staff to help you get the job done.
Where to begin?
It’s best to move from the inside out and from the top down so that the mess you displace will always be to the place you clean next. Begin at the back of the store with the ceilings and work toward the front entrance.
Bathrooms
While your washrooms should be cleaned regularly, take this opportunity to do a deep clean of the walls, floors and nooks and crannies. Make sure all of your equipment is working properly (paper towel dispensers, toilet paper dispensers, hand dryers, taps, etc.)
Clean from Top to Bottom
Check your ceilings for dust and dirt that has piled up throughout the winter. Then move to your shelves, starting at the top and moving to the bottom. Pull everything out, wipe the shelves and the products before replacing. Make sure any expired products are removed.
A Fresh Coat?
While you’re doing your deep clean, perhaps it’s time for a fresh coat of paint. Painting is one of the least expensive ways to have a major impact on the look and feel of your store.
Fix it Up
Do a thorough inventory of your fixtures and equipment. Do you have missing ceiling tiles or broken floor tiles? Are the lights all working? Are there tripping hazards or loose fittings? Make sure everything is in good repair to ensure the safety of your customers and your staff.
Check the Merchandise
Haven’t sold an item in months? It’s time to take it off the shelves. Look for expired or damaged products and dispose of them or put them on clearance.
Hit the Floor
Once you’ve cleaned all of your shelving, tables, etc. your floor will likely be a mess. Sweep, vacuum, mop and repeat until your floors gleam. Then, treat yourself and your customers to a shine too.
First Impressions
Make sure the entrance to your business is clean, tidy, well merchandised and welcoming for your customers. Are the posters in your windows faded from the sun? Take them down. Are all of your stickers, signage, racks etc. in good condition?
Windows
Winter is tough on windows – both inside and out. Pull off all of your posters and signage and give the insides and outsides of your windows a thorough clean. Your BIA can help with window washing through the matching grant program. Learn more here.
Decorate
It’s important to keep things fresh in your store for your customers, your staff and yourself. Consider putting a few brightly coloured decorations to add some life to the store. Lighting in your windows can help the streetscape look livelier and more friendly at night too.
Head Outside
Your exterior is the first thing potential customers see. Are you presenting a place people want to come in and see? Is your signage clean, bright and in good repair? Is the paint on your doors and window frames blemish-free? Are your fixtures working properly? Your BIA can help you with storefront improvements through the matching grant program. Learn more here.
Clean up the Trash
Garbage has a way of accumulating under the snow all winter. Take a walk around your property and pick up any lingering trash as well as sweeping your sidewalks. The City will begin street sweeping on Centre St. May 1, so be sure to have your sidewalks swept to the curb by then.
Repair Your Parking Lot
Clear your parking lot of garbage and debris. Make note of any graffiti or damages to dumpsters, fences, parking blocks and other property. Your BIA can help you with graffiti removal through the matching grant program. Learn more here.
Finishing Touches
Spring is a great time to create a colourful environment to welcome your customers. Plant flowers, or buy pots, set up a seating area outside of your store. Make sure you have a plan to keep your plants and outdoor equipment cared for throughout the summer. Your BIA can help with finishing touches through the matching grant program. Learn more here.
Brag a little
You’ve done a lot of work on your spring cleaning! Share it on your social media channels to entice your customers to come and see the results! Don’t forget to tag the BIA so we can brag too!
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