Read an excerpt from this mom's story about a family restroom that was nice enough to keep her at the mall all day:

"...we stopped by the North County mall in Escondido, home of the nicest family restrooms I've ever seen. Usually a "family restroom" is just a bigger bathroom with a changing table. But these amenities were nicer than our set-up at home. The family lounge consisted of an open area with several chairs, a few table, and a TV. (I think there might have been some toddler-appropriate diversions as well), a few private nooks with curtains (like changing rooms for nursing), a room with carved out changing areas, each one next to a wipes warmer (with wipes!) and a sink. It's so nice to be able to wash your hands after a diaper change without figuring out how to juggle the baby, wipes case, changing pad, etc. It's (also) nice to be able to wash your hands before you pick up your baby. They even had a bathroom with two toilets and sinks - one set for the parent and a smaller version for the kid. Honestly, that lounge was so nice, I would have been content to stay at the mall the entire day..."

A purse hook is a restroom essential. Every facility should provide them . . . and the more the better. Women love their purses and they don't want to set them on a restroom floor. Some will simply leave the premises—stop shopping and go elsewhere—if there is no bag hanger. Others go to the extreme of hanging their purse around their neck. Your customers deserve a better experience than that!

Read first-hand what women have to say on the subject at The Purse Forum.

The annual internet competition for America's Best Restroom is finished, and the winner is . . . the Hermitage Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee. View the results at www.bestrestroom.com. The winning restroom features an Art Deco theme, leaded glass tiles, a terrazzo floor, and a shoeshine station. The runners-up featured extravagances such as skyline views, custom mirrors and woodwork, silver accent pieces, vintage photos, hand-painted tiles, and etched glass . . . to the extreme of one-way mirrors above a urinal, and sink mirrors embedded with LCD eyes.

When my last shipment of air freshener refills arrived, the shape of the can had changed. I couldn't get them to fit my dispenser (a Technical Concepts Microburst 3000), so I contacted my vendor. Bet Law at www.freshbet.com was quick to investigate, and this was the word: The cans did change, but they would still fit existing dispensers—with some coaxing. The spray nozzle must be pushed downward with a fingernail in order to fit through the opening window. It worked . . . and my dispenser is bursting as usual.

In the photo, the two rounded cans at the left are the new style, and the one at the right is the old.

An internet story circulates now and then about a study of women's purse bottoms and the potentially harmful bacteria they carry—much of which reportedly comes from restroom floors. According to snopes.com, this story is true, and this, dear retailer, is why women want each and every stall to have a hook! Read the full story here.

Do you host a restroom? Read these helpful tips from Linden Fenety, winner of a recent Restroom Cleanliness Award:

"It's important to have the cleanest bathrooms. When people stop and you have a dirty washroom, it gives the impression that the whole facility might be dirty."

Fenety said the bathrooms at his business are cleaned every half hour, but he doesn't think that's the only reason for the award.

"We post the weather forecast for people that are traveling; we put flower arrangements in the washrooms to make it look a little more like home; we use two-ply bathroom tissue, because we want nothing but the best; and we refuse to use hand dryers, instead using good paper towels," he said. "People plan their trips around washrooms on the highway, and if you have better ones than your competitor down the road, that gives you an advantage over them."

To learn more about how to make a typical commercial washroom special—and give your business an edge—read Skip to the Loo!.

This today from David Tharrington, President of U.S. Health & Hygience Service, Inc.:

"I have been servicing public restrooms for 23 years, and restrooms do make a business money. If a restroom is clean and safe to use, the business will obtain and retain customers that they other wise would not have — and that
equals dollars. In tough times, it is important for a business to cut back on all that they can, but too many businesses make the mistake of cutting back on their restrooms. This is a time that they should be doing the extra needed to give the customer the desire and confidence to come back. If you save one customer because of the condition of your restrooms, that is enough to pay for a service like ours. We not only make restrooms look better and smell better — but safe to use."

David Tharrington
President
U. S. Health & Hygiene Service, Inc.
800-887-7250

When my friends and I toured Rose Story Farm, the floral theme of the farm continued right into the restroom . . . as well it should. A rose-scented candle flickered in front of the mirror — filling the room with an appropriate fragrance. A vase of fresh roses was placed by the sink. Then came my favorite touch of all: a wire basket of rose-printed paper guest towels. This was the first time I had seen a decorative paper towel offered in a restroom, and what a nice touch! Rose Story Farm's printed guest towels are a product of Converting Inc. Take a look at www.convertinginc.com. (They provide paper guest towels in many themes.) Other attractive touches at the farm's facility included a pretty mirror (simulating window panes), and ornamental cabinet knobs. Areas that needed improvement were the ugly plunger and toilet brush parked in plain view, and the lack of a purse hook. My friend, Shari, who has been well-trained as a washroom watchdog, suggested a decorative hook with a rose motif. Shari hit the nail on the head. That would be the perfect touch.

Since 1976, building code in Toronto has specified that the public must be allowed to use business restrooms, yet the majority of retailers in this city turn people away, claiming they are only for employees. In response to a recent complaint, local officials are looking into the matter. City councilor, Howard Moscoe, explains that these businesses are breaking the law. His proposal is that washroom doors be opened for all, and that restroom signs be posted. Read the full story at CityNews, and watch a video of undercover restroom reporters being turned away. You will witness businesses sending people to McDonald's and Starbucks—essentially giving these stores free advertising and potential customers.

Note: Code requiring public restroom use at any type of business (not only restaurants) is widespread. Be sure to research the regulations in your area.

Yesterday I toured Rose Story Farm in Carpinteria, CA. This 15-acre rose farm specializes in old-fashioned, fragrant, garden roses. The scent alone puts Rose Story Farm flowers in a league of their own: those at florists are bred to eliminate the fragrance in order to last longer.

The farm attracts its share of celebrities. Martha Stewart had been there (for her second visit) just two weeks ago. Julia Child, a resident of the area before her passing, was encouraged for years to select a rose for her namesake. She eventually settled on one: The Julia Child rose is yellow, and very disease resistant. Julia reportedly said the new blooms looked like egg yolks, and as they began to fade, they took on the hue of butter. Spoken like a chef! The farm is now waiting for another area resident, Oprah, to choose her rose.

I love fresh flowers in a restroom. They brighten it up and provide a warm welcome like nothing else. Unless you rely on a florist, there is a bit of maintenance involved. These tips from Rose Story Farm were worth the price of admission: