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Hotels, B&Bs, short-term rentals and other accommodation providers are facing the unique challenges that the changing seasons present when it comes to storage and a seasonal refresh.
Autumn challenges in the hospitality industry
The hospitality industry is broadly split into four sectors, which overlap significantly: travel and tourism; accommodation; entertainment and recreation; and food and beverage.
Businesses that have experienced a period of vibrant activity and a busy environment are left facing a dwindling flow of customers and an anticipated seasonal slump at this time of year, but the accommodation sector experiences the biggest seasonal dip as the weather changes, kids go back to school and people start saving for Christmas. The seasonal pattern can result in a rollercoaster ride in terms of hotel occupancy rates and revenue.
Studies suggest hotels have an average occupancy of 80% during the summer, but in autumn, this declines to between 30% and 40%. This means reduced profitability and a tightening of the purse strings in September. Some establishments experience a revenue drop of up to 60% between summer and autumn, so it’s crucial that owners and managers plan for this dip.
Labour management can be challenging, as the temporary workforce needed during peak season will probably have to be reduced, or redeployed to other tasks, in autumn. In addition, changing storage needs require new strategies to keep up with the demands and ensure a smooth transaction between the seasons.
Importance of hospitality storage
Flexible storage solutions can be your best ally at times of change: hospitality businesses can use a variety of storage solutions to address seasonal changes, storing excess items at off-peak times to close off areas, while scaling down operations based on demand. Temporary storage solutions enable you to adapt, safe in the knowledge that when customer numbers pick up again, such as during the festive period, you will have the resources onsite to meet changing needs.
The key is forecasting demand to ascertain how much storage space you’ll need at any given time, based on past experience. Use storage bins and shelves to ensure your inventory is always well-organised. These can be freestanding, with the capability of being disassembled, folded or packed away when not needed.
When your items are in storage, conduct regular audits so you always know what you have on standby and whether it’s still in good shape. Safe storage and regular checks mean there won’t be any nasty surprises when you unpack items again ready for next season. Proper storage containers will protect items from impact damage, damp, dust, dirt and temperature changes.
Having the ability to temporarily reduce or increase your storage space quickly to keep pace with seasonal demands is the most efficient way to manage your business.
Storage solutions for hospitality
Solent Plastics provides high quality storage solutions suitable for the hospitality industry.
Our 455-litre heavy-duty wheeled plastic storage tank is moulded from food grade polyethylene. With a -30°C to +80°C temperature range, it is ideal for kitchen and food storage use. Watertight, this plastic tank can be drilled and fitted with a drainage bung. It has two fixed and two swivel 100mm castors, making it easy to move around, even when full. Coloured lids are available, making it suitable for colour-coded waste.
We also stock a market-leading range of high grade catering bins unique to Solent Plastics, such as our 95-litre white plastic industrial catering bin with lid, made from food grade plastic.
With a white HDPE base and PP lid, it provides the perfect waste or ingredients bin that’s ideal in all locations. Safe for use in a high temperature range from 80°C to -10°C, it is suitable for industrial and commercial catering environments, as a rubbish bin or to collect recyclable waste. Made from heavyweight construction, including a ribbed exterior and lid, it can be nested to save space. Stainless steel clips secure the lid to the bin for safe storage, and a smooth interior makes it easy to clean.
When you’re looking for an environmentally friendly storage solution, Solent Plastics’ 131-litre extra-large recycled attached lid container is the biggest such container on the market. Designed to Euro sizing specifications, the 800 mm x 600 mm footprint enables you to fit two stacks on a Euro pallet. An improved design, the lid can be secured at each end with padlocks, cable ties or security seals. Nestable when empty and stackable when full, it makes the most of your available space.
Stacking containers are particularly useful in any area where there’s limited floor space: you will have the footprint of just one bin as you store upwards, making the most of the available space.
Our 56-litre Euro plastic stacking storage box has been especially sourced so we can offer customers low prices. Highly versatile, this storage solution comes with drop-on lids. Designed to standard European dimensions, it can be inter-stacked with other manufacturers’ Euro-sized boxes, fitting seamlessly into your inventory. Made from heavy duty food grade hygienic polypropylene, which is resistant to heat, cold and chemicals, the container is ergonomically designed, with handholes to aid easy manual handling, making it ideal for use in the hospitality industry.
Carrying out a seasonal refresh is a vital part of preparing for the months ahead to cope with fluctuating demands, so take advantage of the moment to establish your strategy and keep pace with occupancy rates.