The Problem: High Traffic + High Liability
Retail stores in Illinois and Indiana face one of the highest slip-and-fall risks of any commercial environment. Customers track in rain, slush, and mud year-round — and a single slip-and-fall claim averages $12,000 in costs. Beyond liability, worn or dirty entrance mats send the wrong message to shoppers before they even reach the sales floor.
Most retail operators also don’t want to manage mat inventory: buying replacements, scheduling in-house laundering, or storing extras in the back room. That’s time and overhead that belongs on the floor, not in the utility closet.
The Specialty Mat Solution for Retail
Specialty Mat provides weekly mat pickup, industrial cleaning, and redelivery with zero upfront cost. No contracts that require capital outlay. No mat purchases. No laundry logistics.
Choose from 200+ mat styles — including custom logo mats that reinforce your store brand from the moment a customer steps through the door. Our route drivers handle all pickups and deliveries on a consistent weekly schedule, so your team stays focused on sales, not facilities.
Mat Types for Retail Environments
| Mat Type | Best Use | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Scraper / Entrance Mats | Main entrances — removes dirt & moisture from footwear | View Mat Rental → |
| Logo Mats | Branded entrance statement, franchises & boutiques | View Mat Rental → |
| Anti-Fatigue Mats | Checkout lanes, service counters, stockroom | View Mat Rental → |
| Restroom Mats + Supplies | Customer & employee restrooms | View Restroom Services → |
Compliance for Retail Facilities
Specialty Mat’s service program helps retail operators stay ahead of three key compliance areas:
- OSHA 1910.22 — Walking-working surfaces must be kept clean, dry, and free of hazards. Weekly mat service ensures surfaces at entrances and restrooms always meet this standard.
- NFSI (National Floor Safety Institute) — NFSI-certified mats reduce slip-and-fall risk with scientifically validated traction ratings.
- ADA Compliance — Our entrance mats have compliant low-profile edges (≤ ½” rise) that won’t create tripping hazards for customers using mobility aids.
Cities We Serve in Illinois & Indiana — Retail
We service retail stores throughout the Chicago metro area and across Illinois and Indiana, including:
Illinois: Chicago · Naperville · Aurora · Joliet · Schaumburg · Elgin · Arlington Heights · Bolingbrook · Waukegan · Rockford · Peoria · Springfield · Cicero · Evanston · Downers Grove
Indiana: Gary · Hammond · Merrillville · South Bend · Fort Wayne · Valparaiso
Mat Rental for Retail Stores
1. How often are mats cleaned and swapped for retail stores?
Standard service is weekly pickup and redelivery. High-traffic stores (grocery, big-box retail) can request twice-weekly service. You always have a clean mat in place — we don’t pull the mat and leave you without one.
2. Can I get custom logo mats for my retail chain or franchise?
Yes. Specialty Mat offers logo mats with your brand colors, logo, and custom sizing. Minimum quantities apply for custom orders — contact us for details. Logo mats are part of the rental program: we clean and maintain them just like standard mats.
3. What mat size do I need for a standard retail entrance?
The general rule is that a mat should be long enough for customers to take 2–3 full steps before reaching dry flooring — typically 3×10 ft for a single-door retail entrance. We’ll assess your entrances and recommend the right sizes during your free program analysis.
4. Can Specialty Mat service multiple retail locations under one contract?
Yes. Multi-location retail groups and franchises can consolidate under a single service agreement. Consistent mat styles across locations reinforce brand standards and simplify billing.
5. How do rental mats reduce slip-and-fall liability compared to bought mats?
Rental mats are replaced as soon as they show wear — fraying, curling edges, or reduced traction. Owned mats typically stay in service well past their safe lifespan because replacement requires a purchase decision. Our weekly inspection catches degraded mats before they become a liability.
Ready to Protect Your Retail Store — and Your Bottom Line?
Get a free program analysis from Specialty Mat. We’ll assess your entrances, recommend the right mat types and sizes, and give you an all-in weekly price with zero upfront cost.
Infinite Laundry