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There are currently 5,583 grocery stores in Ontario. As of June 2023, there are 52,800 retail store locations across Ontario. These grocery and retail stores across the province are high-traffic locations, which individuals visit ongoingly to purchase food and home goods.

These establishments are pillars in every community, and they are constantly evolving to meet a growing population and people’s immediate needs. Businesses are seeking innovative ways to create attractive, functional, and inviting environments for their customers.

One crucial aspect that often shapes the overall ambiance and customer experience is the choice of flooring. In this blog post, we will explore the advantages of polished concrete floors in retail settings. Polished concrete has emerged as a remarkable solution that combines both aesthetic appeal and practicality, making it an ideal choice for modern retail and grocery spaces.

The flooring in retail and grocery spaces plays a significant role in setting the tone for the entire establishment. It's not just about providing a surface to walk on. It serves as the foundation upon which the entire customer journey is built. From the moment shoppers step inside to the final interaction at the checkout, the flooring has a subtle, yet powerful impact on how visitors perceive the store's atmosphere, cleanliness, and overall brand identity. The right flooring choice can enhance the overall experience and leave a lasting impression on customers.

At BNE, we are trusted experts in concrete finishing. We have the knowledge, equipment, and skills to properly install concrete for any type of project. We use industry-leading technology and expertise to provide the client with a concrete structure that will last. Our clients seek us out because we are a single source in providing concrete finishing, polish and epoxy. This saves them time, money and the hassle of communicating their needs to various contractors. Do not hesitate to reach out to us for your next retail construction project. We are just one phone call or email away!

Advantages of Polished Concrete Floors

By capitalizing on the following advantages of polished concrete flooring, retail and grocery spaces can create a dynamic and functional environment that not only impresses customers but also contributes to long-term cost savings and sustainable practices.

Durability and Longevity

Polished concrete floors are renowned for their exceptional durability, making them well-suited for high-traffic retail and grocery spaces.

The dense and solid nature of concrete makes it resistant to wear, abrasion, and impact, ensuring the floor maintains its integrity over time. This durability translates to a reduced need for frequent repairs or replacements, leading to long-term cost savings.

Low Maintenance and Easy Cleaning

Polished concrete floors have a smooth, seamless surface that minimizes the accumulation of dust, dirt, and allergens.

Routine maintenance involves simple cleaning methods like sweeping, mopping, and occasional buffing, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals or specialized cleaning products.

The absence of grout lines or grooves prevents the buildup of grime, making maintenance hassle-free and promoting a cleaner environment.

High-Traffic Suitability

Retail and grocery spaces experience constant foot traffic, shopping carts, and heavy loads.

Polished concrete's sturdy composition enables it to withstand the rigors of these environments.

The surface resists scratches, scuffs, and dents caused by various activities, ensuring the floor maintains its polished appearance even in busy areas.

Aesthetic Appeal and Customization

Polished concrete floors offer a sleek, modern aesthetic that can complement a wide range of interior designs and branding strategies. The shine and reflective qualities of polished concrete contribute to a visually appealing atmosphere, enhancing the overall appearance of the space.

Customization options include different levels of sheen, decorative scoring, staining, and embedding designs or logos, allowing businesses to tailor the floor's look to their specific needs.

Sustainability

Polished concrete floors often utilize existing concrete slabs, reducing the need for additional materials and minimizing waste.

The process of polishing concrete involves using non-toxic chemicals, making it a more environmentally friendly choice compared to certain floor coverings that release VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

Polished concrete's reflective properties can enhance natural lighting, reducing the need for artificial lighting and promoting energy efficiency.

Polished Concrete vs. Other Flooring Options

Comparing polished concrete with traditional flooring alternatives allows businesses to make informed decisions that align with their objectives for longevity, cost-effectiveness, and design adaptability in their retail and grocery spaces.

Let’s further explore:

Comparison with Traditional Flooring Materials (e.g., tiles, vinyl, carpet)

• Polished concrete offers a distinct advantage over traditional flooring materials like tiles, vinyl, and carpet in terms of durability and longevity.
• Unlike carpet, polished concrete doesn't trap allergens, making it a healthier option for retail and grocery environments.
• Polished concrete eliminates grout lines and seams, reducing the potential for dirt and debris buildup compared to tiled floors.

VCT vs. Polished Concrete

• In the retail world, VCT (Vinyl Composition Tile) remains the dominant floor covering in use. A VCT floor costs $3.00 per foot to install on average across the country. Standard VCT has to be waxed, as the finish provided by the factory does not last long as the wearable surface. Maintenance for VCT averages $2.00 per foot per year. The cost of maintenance includes scrubbing the floor nightly, buffing the floor regularly to remove scuffs from foot traffic and regular strip and wax services. Generally, VCT lasts seven to ten years before it deteriorates to the point where it needs to be replaced.
• Polished concrete has an average install cost of $5.00 per foot in a remodel environment. If installed at the time of a remodel (versus new construction which generally has a cheaper price) polished concrete costs $2.00 more per foot to install, but a good maintenance program has an average cost of $1.00 per foot per year. In two years, the difference of the install costs has been recovered. From that point forward, the floor maintenance is actually saving money for the customer. Polished concrete never has to be completely redone and there is no removal.

Cost-Effectiveness

• While the initial installation cost of polished concrete may be higher than some flooring options, its long-term cost-effectiveness becomes evident. Polished concrete's durability and low maintenance requirements result in reduced repair and replacement expenses over time.
• Businesses can benefit from extended lifespan and minimal maintenance costs, ultimately contributing to a more efficient use of resources.

Adaptability to Changing Design Trends

• Polished concrete's neutral and contemporary aesthetic lends itself well to various interior design styles and trends.
• Unlike certain flooring materials that may become outdated quickly, polished concrete remains versatile and can easily be paired with evolving design concepts. The surface can be customized with different finishes, stains, and patterns, allowing retail and grocery spaces to stay current with design preferences.

Enhancing Retail and Grocery Spaces

Through the use of polished concrete flooring, businesses can elevate their retail and grocery spaces, cultivating a modern, brand-consistent, and customer-centric environment that resonates with visitors and encourages repeat visits.

They do so by:

Creating a Modern Environment

Polished concrete floors inherently exude a modern and sophisticated ambiance that aligns well with contemporary retail and grocery aesthetics. The seamless and reflective surface of polished concrete contributes to an open and spacious feel, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the space. The sleek appearance of polished concrete complements various design elements, allowing for a cohesive and inviting environment.

Establishing A Brand Identity

The choice of flooring plays a pivotal role in communicating a brand's identity and values to customers. Polished concrete floors can be tailored to match the brand's colour palette, logo, and overall design theme, reinforcing brand recognition and creating a consistent experience.

Contributing to The Customer Experience

The customer experience is heavily influenced by the overall ambiance and aesthetics of the retail or grocery space. Polished concrete's reflective properties create a brighter atmosphere by maximizing natural and artificial light, creating a welcoming and warm environment for shoppers.

The clean and polished surface of the floor contributes to a sense of cleanliness and order, enhancing the overall perception of the store's hygiene and quality. The smoothness of the polished concrete surface also contributes to a comfortable and effortless shopping experience, reducing fatigue from walking and pushing carts. When customers feel comfortable and engaged within the space, they are more likely to spend time exploring and making purchasing decisions.

Final Thoughts

Through this blog post, we shared how to elevate retail and grocery spaces to new heights through the application of polished concrete floors.

These floors, renowned for their durability and low-maintenance attributes, present an ideal solution for high-traffic environments. The seamless and reflective surfaces not only foster a sleek and modern atmosphere but also provide a canvas for brand identity, incorporating customizable designs and logos.

At BNE, we are trusted experts in concrete finishing. We have the knowledge, equipment, and skills to properly install concrete for any type of project. We use industry-leading technology and expertise to provide the client with a concrete structure that will last. Our clients seek us out because we are a single source in providing concrete finishing, polish and epoxy. This saves them time, money and the hassle of communicating their needs to various contractors. Do not hesitate to reach out to us for your next retail construction project. We are just one phone call or email away!