Article written by Shaun Olivier 03/05/2023

Table of Contents:

• A Welcoming Logo Mat
• Which Type of Entrance Mat Should I Get?
• Wet Weather Doormat
• Matting Traps Dirt & Dust
• Entrance Mats Make A Difference

Entrance mats are an essential part of any building. Let’s look at how matting i used to benefit buildings in the retail, commercial, industrial and domestic sectors. In retail environments, shops use branded doormats and printed welcome mats at their entrances to draw clients attention to the company logo & draw their eyes into the store.

Soft cut pile doormats like the Jet Print Logo Mat, also make the entrance appear welcoming and these logo mats may even include a “Welcome to” or “Welcomes You” message asbove or below the company logo. Use of stylised cursive fonts can add a personal “handwritten touch” to the welcome. If a store is located inside a mall, the Jet Print doormat dirt trapping benefits are secondary to its value in promoting the brand and creating a “soft decorative touch” in the entrance.

Due to the high volume of pedestrians & trolleys in the entrances of retail and commercial buildings, mat recesses are the preferred installation method for matting, in order to achieve a matting surface which is level with the floor. Products like our Designa Mat Recess entrance mat is a popular choice in areas with high foot traffic.

This door mat is 14mm thick, it is flexible and lays flat easily, making this door mat easy for maintenance staff to pick up and clean. This entrance mat captures & hides dirt under the surface of the door mat, preventing the dirt from simply being tracked into the facility. These can also be used as outdoor mats, without the carpet strips.

In addition to recess door mats, we advise the use of wet weather door mats. These are roll up / roll out entrance doormats which are useful in trapping the moisture tracked in during rainy weather and will also protect your flooring.

While we can custom make almost any size wet weather door mat 3m and 4.2m are popular lengths, 0.9m, 1.2m and 1.5m are popular widths. After the rainy weather clears up, these door mats are rolled up and allowed to dry outside, then stored.

In industrial facilities a two fold approach is needed, to combat dirt tracked into the buildings from the outside and to prevent dirt/oils/grease from being tracked into offices from the workshop/factory. Here cut pile nylon matting like the Iron Horse dirt trapping doormat is an ideal candidate for the job. These heavy-duty walk off mats are vulcanised onto a nitrile rubber backing, making them very durable and can handle any footwear.

A big plus factor, is that cleaning these entrance mats is easy, the mats can be laundered, thus reducing the turnaround time between dirty entrance matting being removed from the floor and being put back in place. To avoid dirt being tracked in while entrance mats are off the floor being cleaned, in certain areas it will be necessary to have a second set of entrance mats which can be rotated, to ensure consistent, unbroken service.

In retail and commercial facilities, the entrance serves as the first point of contact between customers and the establishment. It is essential to create a positive impression and ensure a safe and welcoming environment. Entrance mats play a vital role in achieving these objectives by offering numerous benefits. This essay explores the advantages of entrance mats in retail and commercial facilities, highlighting their contributions to cleanliness, safety, branding, and overall customer experience.

Maintaining Cleanliness:

Entrance mats are highly effective in preventing dirt, dust, debris, and moisture from being tracked into retail and commercial spaces. As customers enter a facility, they often carry these contaminants on their shoes, posing a risk to both the cleanliness of the premises and the safety of those inside. By placing durable and absorbent entrance mats, such as scraper mats or absorbent carpet mats, at the entrance, businesses can significantly reduce the amount of dirt and moisture brought in. This proactive measure helps keep floors cleaner, minimizes the need for constant maintenance, and creates a more hygienic environment for both staff and customers.

Enhancing Safety:

Entrance mats are an essential element in preventing slip-and-fall accidents, which are a significant concern for businesses. Rain, snow, or spills can make floors slippery, increasing the likelihood of accidents. However, high-quality entrance mats with slip-resistant backings provide an added layer of safety by effectively trapping moisture and providing a stable walking surface. These mats help to minimize the risk of slips, trips, and falls, thereby reducing the potential for injuries and legal liabilities. By prioritizing safety with entrance mats, retail and commercial facilities can promote a secure environment for all visitors.

Reinforcing Branding:

Entrance mats can also serve as a branding opportunity for businesses. Customizable mats with a company logo or specific design elements can help reinforce brand identity and create a cohesive visual experience for customers. A well-designed entrance mat can act as an extension of a brand's image, leaving a memorable impression on customers as they enter the premises. This subtle but effective branding tool can contribute to brand recognition, recall, and differentiation in a competitive market. By incorporating entrance mats that align with their brand aesthetics, retail and commercial facilities can enhance their overall visual appeal.

Improving Customer Experience:

Customer experience plays a crucial role in the success of any retail or commercial establishment. Entrance mats contribute to a positive customer experience by offering comfort, cleanliness, and a welcoming atmosphere. Mats with cushioning properties provide a more comfortable standing or walking surface for visitors, especially in areas where long queues or waiting times are common. Additionally, by effectively trapping dirt and moisture, entrance mats help maintain a tidy appearance, giving customers a sense of cleanliness and order from the moment they enter the facility. This attention to detail can create a favorable first impression and set the stage for a positive customer journey.

Conclusion:

Entrance mats play a multifaceted role in retail and commercial facilities, offering several benefits that contribute to cleanliness, safety, branding, and customer experience. By investing in high-quality entrance mats, businesses can maintain cleaner floors, enhance safety measures, reinforce brand identity, and create a welcoming environment for visitors. Recognizing the importance of entrance mats in these settings enables organizations to improve their overall operations and customer satisfaction. Therefore, incorporating entrance mats should be a considered and strategic decision for any retail or commercial establishment.

Shaun Olivier is a respected figure in the matting industry, serving as the National Sales Manager for Designa Mat since 2009. His expertise in providing branded entrance matting, promotional counter-top matting, and a wide range of dirt stop & anti-fatigue mats has positioned him as a trusted advisor to businesses and homes across South Africa.

Shaun's tenure at Designa Mat, a company founded in 1995, has seen him collaborate with some of South Africa's most renowned companies, including Ford Motor Company South Africa, Volkswagen, Durr, Pick n Pay, Spar, Specsavers, airports and hospitals. Designa Mat's reach extends beyond these corporations to various schools, churches, hotels, shopping centres, and an extensive array of small to medium-sized businesses.

Under Shaun's leadership, Designa Mat has committed to a customer-centric approach, ensuring that every client, regardless of the size of their enquiry or requirements, receives full attention and guidance. This commitment ensures that each client secures the right product for their unique business or home needs.

Shaun Olivier's dedication to service excellence and his deep understanding of the matting industry have made him a key player in shaping the customer experience at Designa Mat, reinforcing the company's reputation for quality and reliability.