Getting Customers Ready for Summer

Hotel and Resort Customers are Coming Back

The summer months are almost upon us, and it’s probably safe to say that more people than ever are excited about a chance to get out of their homes and go somewhere nice where they can finally enjoy themselves again. Of course, the last year has been difficult for everybody, and it certainly hit the hospitality industry particularly hard. Now that we can see some light at the end of the tunnel, resorts and hotels are bracing for a resurgence in visitors — or, at the very least, they are hoping to see things return to some semblance of normalcy. Getting customers ready for summer will be easier when you consider the following tips.

Your customers are likely taking stock of all their current inventory. They are doing the necessary calculations to make sure they have the janitorial supplies, resort towels, and everything else to make their establishments feel as warm and inviting as possible. They’re going to be placing a lot of orders soon to ensure that they are fully stocked when their summer guests arrive.

Many places are reopening this summer, but they are doing it very carefully while deliberately taking all the necessary steps to make their visitors feel safe. Their goals may affect their regular buying patterns. They may increase some standard purchases while decreasing others. Let’s look at some of the circumstances and challenges that could change how you and your customers must operate to be sure you are prepared before summer.

Limited Capacity Requirements May Change Orders

While many businesses are opening back up, some of them – especially in the hospitality industry – will be working at significantly reduced capacity.

Resorts and hotels, in particular, are going to open up little by little to make sure they can handle their customers while maintaining the necessary levels of hygiene and cleanliness. This pattern will be a practical test to determine if they can run their establishments while giving their visitors plenty of room to spread out.

It may also mean that orders for towels, linens, and cleaning supplies may not yet be back to normal. Traditionally, many of your customers may have upped their orders right before the summer season hit, but this year we’re looking at two possibilities:

One: Ordering could be down to match the reduced capacity.

Two: Ordering could go up to compensate for last year’s reduced purchasing and get ready for a large number of customers who are very ready to get away from home.

Which will you have to deal with this year? It depends on how your customers go about reopening.

Towel Substitutions to Fit Revised Budgets

Why not give your customers some options?  Establishments expecting an increase in capacity, which must expand their order on a tight budget, will find value in a more economical product that will yield the same quantity. For example, substituting bale-packed hotel towels like our Premium Apollo or Plus Crescent towels for more expensive carton-packed towels purchased before the pandemic may solve their problem. While weights and sizes may differ slightly, they can still get similar quantities and work within a reduced budget by saving on freight and storage space.

Similarly, hotels and resorts opening at a reduced capacity, who seek to welcome their regular patrons back with a more indulgent, memorable experience may consider ordering towels of a higher quality. Previous bale-packed towel orders can be upgraded to higher quality carton-packed towels, such as our Finest Magellan or Elite Pearl collection. Returning guests appreciate thoughtful changes in amenities.

Essential Cleaning Textiles for Hospitality Workers

Phased Reopening Means Phased Purchasing

Some establishments are going to open back up as much of their normal operations as possible. Others may go in phases and keep their food operations closed initially but plan to open them up slightly later in the season.

This kind of phased reopening throughout the summer means they may not order as many microfiber cloths, bar mops, or other cleaning supplies right at the beginning of the season, but they could increase their orders in just a few weeks or months.

A professional’s guide to room cleaning with microfiber

Hospitality Customers Expect Extra Care in Dining Areas

Any food operations need to take extra precautions during the pandemic to maximize the safety of their customers and staff. Specific tasks and strategies may be included, such as:

• Regularly cleaning and disinfecting high-traffic areas.
• Cleaning shared objects between each use.
• Having enough cleaning supplies on hand at all times.
• Establishing a cleaning schedule and sticking to it.
• Training employees on how to clean any food contact surfaces.
• Instituting policies on when and how the staff should wash their hands.
• Encouraging sick employees to stay home.
• Reacting quickly and appropriately to any reports of sick people in the establishment.

This kind of extra care in dining areas will likely require a restock of the necessary supplies, and you can help your clients by providing the most reliable and effective materials. Getting customers ready for summer includes assuring them that their “home away from home” is clean and sanitary.

Getting Customers Ready for Summer — Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Some people will still be hesitant to travel this summer. Still, there are enough bright spots on the horizon that companies in the hospitality industry expect things to be a lot better this year.

While it’s unlikely that this summer will see a complete return to previous levels of “normal business,” we do expect to see a slow and consistent increase in people’s willingness to get out and do something fun.

The key to success is getting customers ready for summer excitement by keeping your shelves stocked with all the amenities, cleaning supplies, towels, and more that they’re going to need.

Call Today to Learn More about Smart Reopening for Summer Businesses.

(215) 485-6100