The area should also be disinfected daily and vacuumed at least once a day, depending on use.
Small touches
While cleanliness is crucial, it’s important to create a room that’s warm and not sterile, says Robert Keeler, associate partner with Langdon Wilson Architecture in Newport Beach, Calif. Outfitting your locker room with amenities like shampoo, lotion and shaving cream help to provide a feeling of hominess and convenience to members, and offer a nice design touch. These items can be purchased in bulk quantities and are often available in dispensers customized with your club name or logo. Adding your logo not only enhances name recognition, but helps associate your facility’s name with customer service and something “extra.”
Other amenities that tell members you care about service details include:
Swimsuit dryers. If your facility is equipped with a pool or spa, members will love the convenience of leaving with a dry suit (most dryers work in just seconds, allowing for high usage).
Guest telephones. Offering guest phones is a nice way to let members use the telephone without tying up business lines. Plus, since they work as a pay phone, it’s a good way to generate extra income.
Drinking water. This is especially important if your locker room offers high-temperature environments such as saunas or steam rooms. A water cooler or drinking fountain allows members to rehydrate after a workout, or quickly feed their thirst before heading to the juice bar for bottled water, frozen smoothies or sport drinks.
Hair dryers. Some members may bring their own, but more and more people are looking to clubs to provide them. Depending on your membership size, offer at least two dryers in each locker room.
Spray deodorant. Again, many members will bring their own, but for those who forget, it’s a much-appreciated amenity.
Hair spray. Small pump bottles attached to a cord (to prevent loss) offer another savior when members forget their supplies.
Feminine hygiene products. Some clubs offer these gratis via baskets or containers placed inside restroom stalls. If your facility cannot afford to do so, install machines where items can be purchased.
Fresh flowers and/or plants. Plants and flowers instantly liven and warm a room. If working on a tight budget, ask a local florist to donate arrangements to your facility in exchange for their business card displayed alongside the arrangement. Many florists have “extra” flowers and may be enticed by the free advertisement.