Americans Confident in Store Cleanliness as Holiday Shopping Season Approaches

As the holiday shopping season officially begins later this week, most Americans are confident in the cleanliness of public buildings including retail facilities, according to a recent survey of more than 1,000 adults conducted for the American Cleaning Institute (ACI). Two-thirds (65%) of survey respondents said businesses are cleaning enough.

The survey analyzed consumer perceptions of cleaning measures following an unprecedented decline in sales for many small businesses and retailers due to their facilities being closed during the coronavirus pandemic. These survey results come at an important time for retailer facilities and the people who clean these buildings as many consumers are deciding whether to do their holiday shopping in-person or online.

“As the country continues to grapple with the long-lasting impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we know how important this holiday shopping season is for many businesses,” said Melissa Hockstad, ACI president and CEO.

The survey also found more than half of Americans (51%) believe retail businesses, schools, and other public locations are maintaining an adequate level of cleanliness in preparation for cold and flu season. Respondents expect to see businesses take additional cleaning and disinfecting measures in order to maintain a safe environment, including:

• Providing hand sanitizer (73%)
• Frequently wiping downs surfaces (77%)
• Posting signage of cleaning measures and regulations (53%).