The Best Temperature for Retail Stores
If you’re a property manager or facility operator in the retail sector, you know the difficulties in finding the right temperature setting. But, what if we told you there was an ideal temperature for retail stores that are neither too hot nor too cold, but just right? While there’s no magical thermostat setting that lets you set it and forget it, there are a few ways to achieve an ideal temperature in your retail store. Here’s how.
Consider the Weather
The weather outside may be frightful, but your retail store environment doesn’t have to be. Whether it’s freezing cold or blistering hot outside, never overcompensate with your thermostat. A setting of 70 degrees Fahrenheit might feel just right in winter. However, during the summer months, it may be too cold. And it’s all thanks to relativity.
For example, when it’s cold outside, you compare other temperatures relative to that level of coldness. So, a store with the thermostat set at 70 degrees is probably too cold for a winter shopper. Even if that’s the same temperature you’ve kept it all year long. And, the same goes for summer. When walking into a retail shop after spending time in 95-degree heat, the store might feel like an icebox. That’s why it’s important to adjust the thermostat based on the time of year.
Our recommendations: raise the temperature in the summer to somewhere around 74 or 76 degrees. Lower it to between 68 and 70 degrees in winter. Trust us – your customers will thank you.
Remember: The Customer Is Always Right
Based on recommendations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the ideal indoor work environment is between 68 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit. And, while it’s important for workers to be as comfortable as customers, it may be best to think of the customer first.
For example, some retail stores lower their temperatures in the summer because of employee dress codes. Because they’re dressed in long pants and a long-sleeve button-down shirt, the employees can keep warm. Customers coming in, who are likely wearing summer attire, won’t experience the same comfort levels.
Therefore, this mismatch can spell trouble for the store. That’s because customers are less likely to browse items for a long period of time when they’re uncomfortable. In turn, you may experience a loss in sales and a decrease in revenue.
Improve Your Retail Store’s Indoor Environment
If your HVAC system fails to maintain a consistent temperature for retail stores, it may be time to look into having it replaced. At the Severn Group, we provide HVAC system installations, repairs, and retrofits for commercial buildings. Contact us today for more information. We can help you find the right temperature for your retail store.