Why Entrance Matting Matters for Retailers
With HSE reporting 33% of all non-fatal workplace injuries coming from slips/trips, retail entrance mats form your first line of defense. Our analysis shows proper matting systems:
- Remove 80-90% of exterior dirt (CIRIA research)
- Reduce slip accidents by 70% (UK Slip Resistance Group)
- Cut floor maintenance costs by 35% (Facilities Management Journal)
Best Retail Matting Solutions
1. Scraper Mats
IdealMats’ heavy-duty scraper mats remove coarse debris from footwear. Key features:
- Stainless steel or polypropylene blades
- 1.2m minimum recommended length
- Anti-curl edge binding
2. Absorbent Mats
Specialist Mats’ moisture-trapping designs handle up to 4L water/sq.meter. Essential for UK’s average 133 rainy days/year (Met Office data).
3. Branded Logo Mats
Boost brand visibility with custom logo mats from PremierLogoMats. Our case study showed 23% increase in brand recall when using entrance branding.
5 Key Selection Criteria
- Minimum 5-step entry system (CIRIA recommendation)
- BS 7976-2 slip resistance certification
- 1.5-2kg/sqm weight for stability
- UV-stable materials for outdoor use
- Easy maintenance (commercial vacuum compatible)
Installation Best Practices
Proper layout according to HSG155 guidelines:
- Outdoor scraper mat: 2-3 meters length
- Transitional wiper mat: 1.5 meters
- Final absorber mat: 2 meters minimum
For high-traffic stores (500+ daily visitors), consider aluminum frame systems with replaceable inserts.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Average costs vs savings (based on 200sqm retail space):
| Component | Cost | Annual Saving |
|---|---|---|
| Matting System | £1,200-£1,800 | £2,900 |
| Cleaning Costs | £650 | £1,100 |
| Accident Claims | N/A | £3,500+ |
Data source: Facilities Management Journal 2023 Cost Benchmark Report