Designs on Feminine Hygiene

Ceris Burns, Marketing Manager with Kennedy Hygiene Products takes a look at the provision of feminine hygiene facilities in the retail sector.

A Narrow escape

Picture this..... We're on Regent Street, London, in a very chic designer establishment. A man rushes out of the main entrance and the security alarm triggers. As if by magic, a young security guard appears out of thin air and firmly requests that the man accompanies him back inside so he can kindly check the contents of his bag.

Harassed and cursing he accompanies the young security guard back inside the shop but refuses out blank to hand over his property. Delighted that he may be about to make his first arrest, the young security guard takes the unusual large grey bag from his prisoner, confidently opens its drawstrings and empties its contents onto the expensive looking glass display unit. In an instant the man's innocence is proven as the empty bag exposes an unsightly mass of used tampons and sanitary towels. The security guard blushes, apologises profusely and the service guy rushes off still cursing and now to top it all, late for his next service call!

Until that point the poor security guard was probably not even aware that facilities for feminine hygiene were available in that establishment. Similarly, customers using these facilities in retail establishments probably never give it a second thought. Or do they?

Goodwill creates loyalty

In a place of work, even if feminine hygiene facilities are inadequate or non-existent it is unlikely that an employee would do anymore than complain, even though she is entitled to. In the retail sector however, the individual has much more choice. For the retailer, providing a great product or service and excellent customer care is just not enough. Customers have become extremely sophisticated and demanding. The retailer must therefore try everything in his power to ensure that the customer has a positive experience within his establishment from the moment she enters to the moment she leaves. Creating goodwill and showing that the establishment cares about its customers all goes towards developing loyalty and repeat business. Poor provision for feminine hygiene could be the make or break and may very well mean the loss of a valuable customer.

The well informed retailer is aware of this and makes every effort to provide appropriate facilities. For retailers who don't, they not only risk losing customers but also risk legal proceedings resulting from a visit from the Environmental Health Officer.

What the law says

If you employ staff or have members of the public in your establishment you are affected by washroom laws. The legislation related to washrooms is complex and you could very easily be fined or go to court if you don't follow it correctly. With reference to feminine hygiene, the Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare Regulations) 1992, recommends that all ladies washrooms should have a facility for collection of sanitary waste. This is reinforced by the Water Industries Act 1991 which states that no items should be flushed that can cause harm to the sewer or drain. In addition the Duty of Care - The Environmental protection Act 1990 places a "Duty of Care" on all waste producers to dispose of waste responsibly.

Washroom Hygiene Service Providers

The easiest way to ensure you abide by these laws is to work with a specialised washroom hygiene service provider. They can give expert advice on products and appropriate waste removal services for individual situations.

How does a retailer select a suitable washroom hygiene service provider? According to Rajeshwar Singh of Armada Hygiene, "all customers demand product that looks good, is well priced and serviced when it is supposed to be serviced." He continues, "with the new hygiene standards being enforced by the Government in all restaurants by December 2005, the food industry in particular is looking to use reliable companies to ensure the smooth running of their businesses."

First Class Service

"It doesn't just come down to price." Jan Chapman, Contracts Manager for Freedom Leisure explains her company's approach. "We tend to keep to annual contracts for this type of supplier so we have more freedom to regularly assess their performance. Primarily service must be first class. A smelly washroom caused by irregular servicing of our feminine hygiene bins is not acceptable to either us or our members. We always check supplier references – a company offering poor service would definitely be a no go, even if costs were in their favour."

Feminine Hygiene Bins

But what about the actual product installed? Some retailers go as far as installing vending machines for sanitary towels and other items. However, for the majority, we are talking about the feminine hygiene bin.

There are a number of bins available on the market, with most recent models boasting unique hi-tech features.

Feminine hygiene bins are principally designed with two objectives in mind; to appeal to the customers (in this case the retailer and the end user) and to appeal to the hygiene service provider. Which features are crucial to these two groups?

Appealing to the customers

Customers are most concerned with ease of use, hygiene and image.

Jan Chapman, Contracts Manager for Freedom Leisure, explains further; "the bin must fit easily between toilet and cubicle. So it must be slim enough without compromising on its capacity to hold waste between service visits." She continues, "We prefer to use no-touch bins for extra hygiene. Our customers prefer not to touch. The bins we have currently installed are pedal operated".

Like other retailers, Jan has installed bins with a modern design that matches the leisure centres' fashionable image.
The same product features appeal to every retailer, whether a shopping centre, hotel, restaurant or gym. The difference is in the quantity required and the finish preferred being dependent on the type of customer they target. A prestigious restaurant will go for chrome plated bins whereas your cheap and cheerful diner will go for a classic white finish catering for the bare necessities.

"INTIMA", the new bin from Kennedy meets all the needs of customers. A slim design, it has a 23L capacity and also boasts a unique reversible bin cover which makes for easy location either side of the cubicle.

The bin is also available in three different models; foot pedal, electronic no-touch and manual. The two no-touch models alleviate the need for physical contact. Similarly there is no need for visual contact with waste due to the cleverly angled bin flap opening.

Appealing to the Hygiene Service Provider

The Hygiene Service Provider is equally concerned with End User Friendliness and Ease of Service.

Bins like the "INTIMA" make for speedy straightforward service. The bin fits into even the tightest spaces. A uniquely designed central opening means that waste drops into the centre of the bin using its full capacity and avoiding waste sticking to the liner, making it appear that the bin is full.

Confirms Rajeshwar Singh of Armada Hygiene; "Service operatives want bins they can empty easily, remove and insert liners quickly and clean with minimum effort". Again this is delivered in "INTIMA". The product has smooth lines that minimise dirt traps and aid cleaning. The bin top and flap are easily removed and liners are removed and inserted with ease due to a design incorporating slots. And…. if that's not enough help, the bin has a flat back for extra stability and a robust built-in handle to aid carrying.

There certainly is a lot more to Feminine Hygiene than meets the eye. Without doubt, the provision of appropriate facilities can prove a significant help to retailers to develop and maintain customer loyalty and safeguard them from the competition.

Ends