Restroom Design Evolution

With cleanliness a top priority of customers, restrooms in retail stores and restaurants are increasingly touchless and, in some instances, more private. Total Restroom’s Scott Krueger spoke with Chain Store Age about restroom trends and what’s coming next.

What is the most common mistake that retailers make when planning for restrooms?

One of the most common mistakes is also an excellent opportunity. When retailers commit to a narrow set of products for their restroom design, they incur higher costs and delays because some products carry longer lead times, become outdated, or cost twice as much as a competitor’s equivalent.

We recently worked with a national brand that specified their toilet flush valve from one manufacturer and the urinal flush valve from another. The retail brand was amazed at the savings they gained by changing their specification to use one manufacturer for both valves. Restroom users are not brand loyalists, so that product flexibility can produce significant opportunities.

What are some specific product trends in the restroom?

In addition to implementing a complete touchless restroom, there is increased interest in two areas. We’re seeing a significant movement towards offering additional privacy for bathroom stalls.

We also see that the “connected” restroom has been generating interest. While the technology is still in the earlier phases, it will eventually provide facility teams with real-time data to ensure that flush valves are operational, faucets are working, and soap dispensers are stocked.

Have there been any changes concerning material types or product finishes?

In the last year, we have seen an exploding interest in alternate finishes for faucets, dispensers, receptacles, mirrors, and grab bars. In addition to the standard chrome and stainless steel, brands can now utilize brass, bronze, and matte black finishes to create a unique restroom design.

What are some of the most common aggravations customers have with retail restrooms?

Bradley Corporation, a top restroom product manufacturer, releases a “Healthy Handwashing Survey” every year. One item on their survey asked about frustrations, and 68% of respondents pointed to water collecting on the floor, with 50% saying they would choose not to use such a restroom.

When talking with restroom owners, we like to point to the “handwashing triangle” — sink, drying method, waste receptacle — as an area to consider thoughtfully. Dragging water to a back wall to get to a hand dryer will always cause a problem for other users. Additional frustrations include empty and poorly operating dispensers.

How can Total Restroom help retailers respond to customers’ expectations of restrooms?

The most significant impact that our experts can make is in the product selection phase of the project. By working with the design and facilities teams, we can offer valuable insight that will impact your construction schedule and customer experiences.

When the architect specifies a product that consistently carries long lead times from one manufacturer, we can help identify a direct replacement from another manufacturer that will keep the construction schedule on track. And when the facilities team suggests cheap plastic dispensers provided for free from the paper product suppliers, we can offer low-cost dispensers that work within the design and deliver the reliability that customers expect.

What services does Total Restroom offer?

Total Restroom works directly with brands and their contractors to provide restroom packages, repair parts, and replenishments through a streamlined purchasing and delivery process. We’re there from design through delivery, helping your team finish the job on time and on budget.

We offer detailed material sourcing support and advanced logistics management for all your locations.

How does the company differentiate itself in the marketplace?

Total Restroom differentiates itself in two ways. The first is through our expertise. The restroom may seem simple, but it’s incredibly technical, and product options are endless. We’ve worked with over 100,000 customers comprised of global corporations, national retailers, government agencies, small businesses, and more, and that experience provides great insight for our future clients. Whether with layouts, product selection, or logistics coordination across numerous locations, our team features expertise in a material sourcing partner

The second point is the depth of our offering. By working with all the manufacturers, we don’t push our clients towards one manufacturer or a limited choice of materials because that’s all we can provide. Our suggestions prioritize the specific needs of your project.