By altering store layouts, refits create unfamiliar and often unsettling environments. These changes can disorient staff and disrupt established safety protocols. Active construction work, unfamiliar layouts, and potential exposure to hazardous materials all increase risk during this period.

In this blog, we explore the real risks that retail store refits and layout changes pose to in-store cleaning operations.

 

The Importance of Retail Cleaning Operations

Retail store cleaning is vital for store operations, due to its effects on retail sales, brand image and product protection. Research by BICSc found that in the UK, retail cleaning services employ over 2,832,000 people, highlighting just how demanding the retail cleaning sector can be.

When a store undergoes a refit, cleanliness often shapes a customer’s first impression of the space and the brand. Research by ServiceChannel found that 64% of retail customers have left a store because it appeared dirty or untidy. This shows how important it is to maintain high cleaning standards, even during periods of disruption. Effective retail cleaning helps protect customer retention, brand image, and sales performance.

Safety Hazards

The primary concern during retail layout changes is the physical safety of cleaning teams, store staff, and visitors. Construction activity creates a constantly changing environment, making retail health and safety a priority throughout the refit.

Key safety risks include slips, trips, and falls, structural instability, and changes to emergency routes.

Safety Hazard/Risk Category	Store Impact
Slips, Trips, and Falls	Slips, trips, and falls can occur due to temporary floor coverings, exposed cables, and spilled materials. These hazards can clash with routine cleaning tasks such as mopping and vacuuming, delaying schedules and reducing cleaning effectiveness.
Structural Instability	Structural instability is another concern. Moving shelving and fixtures can loosen fittings, increasing the risk of injury if items are not fully secured while cleaners work nearby.
Altered Emergency Routes	Altered emergency routes also present a risk. Temporary hoarding and revised layouts can block familiar fire exits and assembly points, which is especially dangerous for out-of-hours cleaning teams.

 

Compliance and Health Risks

Maintaining retail cleaning compliance during a sore refit can be complex due to the environment shifts governed by different sets of regulations, such as Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) 2015.

CDM 2015 manages health, safety, and welfare on construction projects in the UK. During a refit, cleaning services may fall under construction site requirements. This means cleaning teams must align with contractor processes, including site inductions, revised hygiene standards, and detailed phase plans.

Additional compliance considerations may include hazardous materials and air quality. Older retail units may contain asbestos or lead-based paint that can be disturbed during works. The use of adhesives and solvents can also introduce volatile organic compounds into the air. Cleaning teams may need to support ventilation management to reduce exposure risks.

There are also legal and insurance implications. Construction equipment, tools, and materials can alter existing risk assessments and insurance cover. Cleaning providers must ensure Risk Assessment Method Statements reflect the updated environment. Failure to meet health and safety requirements during a refit could invalidate insurance policies.

Brand and Operational Damage

Many retailers operate across multiple locations, making consistency essential. If one store appears neglected during a refit, it can negatively affect the perception of the entire brand.

Operational disruption can also occur if cleaning delays prevent a store from reopening on time. A professional retail cleaning partner must manage refits with careful planning and attention to detail. Maintaining high standards during construction helps protect revenue and ensures stores reopen looking clean, professional, and welcoming.

 

Retail Cleaning Mitigation Strategies

To ensure your retail store cleaning remains effective during a period of upheaval, a proactive strategy is essential.

Phased Cleaning: Divide the store into zones. Only allow cleaning teams into “handed over” zones to avoid conflict with contractors.

Risk Assessments: Conduct daily dynamic risk assessments to account for the changing physical layout.

Specialist Equipment: Use HEPA-filter vacuums to capture fine construction dust rather than just moving it around with a mop.

Enhanced Signage: Use high-visibility barriers for slip and fall prevention in areas where flooring has been recently treated or replaced.

Retail refits are complex, but they do not need to lead to safety issues or operational disruption. With the right cleaning partner and a clear strategy, risks can be effectively managed. A proactive approach ensures that while the physical space changes, standards of safety and cleanliness remain consistent.

 

Enhance your retail store with DOC Cleaning today

As experienced retail cleaning partners, we support your brand by delivering high-quality cleaning services tailored to complex retail environments.

We protect your store’s reputation through transparent processes, innovation, and a focus on safe and welcoming spaces. Our approach reflects family values and a strong commitment to sustainability.

To learn more about our services, get in touch with our friendly helpdesk team today.