If You’re too Hot, They will Trot – Room temperature for businesses

 

Every business has issues with heat balance. If you are in an office, there are always those folks who insist it is too cold. I am always on the other side as I find most spaces too hot. This general issue is because the adherence to standard room temperature (20C; and yes you can look it up online) is often ignored these days. I admit that 20C is too warm for me and I will often be in a short-sleeved top but that is my prerogative. When it is too warm for someone, they often cannot think clearly and may even have issues breathing or maintaining consciousness in extreme cases. This is never the case when someone finds a location too cool. They may have difficulty with their circulation but that is easily remedied with movement exercises or an extra layer of clothing. I often find it funny that those same people complaining of the “cold” in a workplace will be outside wearing shorts and a tee at 15C.

But how does heating affect customers in a retail setting?

Let’s say that you have a business in a place that gets chilly outside. Maybe there is snow in the winter or it gets super windy and there is a clear difference between outside and inside temperatures. That means your customers are likely walking into your business wearing hats and scarves or mitts, maybe boots, and definitely jackets. If you want your customers to spend time in your business and shop around (which you definitely do want), then consider lowering the temperature inside (I stick with 18.5C). If a customer has the option of carrying a basket, then a too warm inside space will quickly have that customer taking off their hat, etc. and placing it all in their basket, thereby taking up room that could be taken up with their intended purchases. If it is so warm inside that a customer cannot walk around with their coat just open and they have to carry their coat instead, now they are down a hand that could have been used to touch or hold more products. More touching leads to better connection with products and, in turn, more sales. Too much heat can quickly make a customer feel light-headed or generally uncomfortable and now all they want to do is leave. You don’t want that!

If you are able to explain your "why" regarding environmental conditions in your workplace, you can get people on board. Explain your reasons for a temperature choice to all of your staff so they understand and can act accordingly. Lowering a temperature for the business space also has environmental impact as less fuel is used and this translates to money savings. Conversely, when it is very warm outside, keeping the temperature a little warmer (assuming you have air conditioning that works on a set temperature trigger), like 22C, will still be comfortable inside but save your energy bill. Any customers coming inside will still recognize a difference from the outside temperature and proclaim your space to be comfortable.

Physical comfort of your customers in your place of business absolutely corresponds to comfort with your business. People may not consciously recognize that they are comfortable walking with their jackets on because of the slightly lower temperatures, but they will respond to this. When the outside temps are extremely cold, then any temp inside that approaches room temp will be recognized and people will find your space to be cozy. Cozy equals comfortable and comfortable lends itself to happy. Happy customers sell and support your business. So if your staff needs to wear an extra layer or long-sleeved tops, it is worth the effort for making an environment comfortable for your customers.