If public toilets are open why aren’t changing rooms?

[kwest]

Just that really. I can’t understand why I can use a public loo which most definitely isn’t cleaned between each use and yet changing rooms in shops aren’t open. Surely with a sign saying “use at own risk as each cubicle isn’t guaranteed to be cleaned after each use” and maybe a limit on number of garments that can be taken in, then it must be less risky than using a public loo? Until very recently, worked in retail and not being able to try on clothes in store is having a real effect on sales, despite the extended returns policies now in place. It’s certainly stopped me making any purchases 😞

I agree op. I've had to order stuff on line for the time being. I do feel it's another nail in the coffin for the high street

Toilets are a necessity to maintain public sanitation. Nobody is going to to suffer because they can’t try some clothes on.

I’m sorry it’s had such an impact for you but it’s not insurmountable. Purchase a couple of sizes and take them to a public toilet to try and then immediately return what you don’t want, they’re quarantining returned clothes anyway.

Well, people have to use the loo. They don’t have to try clothes on.
Everything they try on has to then be isolated away from the retail floor, which is a nuisance for the staff.
Changing rooms also do not have windows and are poorly ventilated. They may contain carpets and curtains that are difficult to sterilise.
It’s simpler and safer to buy online and try on at home.

It depends on the shop.

Some places (e.g. Sandro, Claudie Pierlot, etc) havé had fitting rooms open for a while. There is plenty of space and they steam clothes after customers try anything on.

I am surprised others do not follow suit.

It’s because shops then have to handle the clothes and put them in isolation for days before they can sell again.
I’ve had so many customers who just say “oh can I try them on here then if the changing room is closed” 🙄

When the public loos in my town were closed, there were regular reports of people shitting in the street. The effects of closed changing rooms are not a serious threat to public health and wellbeing.

Not essential maybe?

I agree that public loos are essential (having been caught short a couple of times when they were closed), but my point is really that public loos are not renowned for their general levels of hygiene and yet we can’t try on clothes in store when surely it IS important to do all we can to try and get the economy moving. The impact on the retail high street has been huge (with many stores closing). It’s a fact that this is more than about buying clothes, it is the economy that generates taxes for the NHS, welfare system etc. The staff that work in these stores won’t have jobs if we continue to buy online.

It’s also to do with staff availability to keep on top of the cleaning, so as toilets are essential then getting them back open was more important than changing rooms.