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The Urban Land Institute identifies shopping centers under 5 main categories for the purpose of research and industry analysis. These categories of shopping center are not necessarily defined by the size of the buildings or total area of the site, but more by its tenant makeup and the scope of its customer base/captive market.

The 5 main types of shopping center are:

- Convenience Shopping Center
- Neighborhood Shopping Center
- Super Community Shopping Center
- Regional Shopping Center
- Super Regional Shopping Center

Each shopping center has its own characteristics and will have a range of tenants covering a variety of sectors from multiple department stores to convenience stores, apparel outlets to recreational facilities.

The owners, developers and managers of shopping centers have a key role, along with major anchor tenants, in creating the most effective range of tenants who can compliment and improve the business and trade of each other - ultimately increasing the profitability of the shopping center.

Many prospective tenants have stringent requirements with regard to their preferred location or type of shopping center to improve their chances of operating a profitable business. While demographics, physical location and traffic counts are important in the choice of location for tenants - other factors such as whether the shopping center is 'open air' or 'enclosed' will be crucial. These prospective tenants will also have stipulations as to whether they can operate from an 'in-line' location between other tenants or if they need an 'end-cap' location with a separate patio dining area.

The shopping center type and tenant mix will dictate the operating receipts for the property owners - Rent, Common Area Charges and miscellaneous income from pay phones, vending machines and other amenity/facility charges. With a more attractive tenant mix the property owners stands to increase operating income.

However, with higher foot traffic and property use there are the related operating expenses to ensure that the center remains an attractive, safe and clean environment for existing tenants, prospective tenants and customers. These expenses include parking lot maintenance, mall maintenance, sidewalk pressure washing services and other common area costs. Additionally, there are building maintenance and repair costs, tenant space utility costs, office area expenses and other expenses related to advertising real estate taxes and insurance.

The development and management of a successful shopping center property is complex and directly requires competent, skillful property managers, maintenance engineers, leasing agents, lawyers and vendors. The selection of the correct team will ultimately benefit the tenants, owners, customers and all property stakeholders.

Shopping Center Pressure Washing

Commercial property developers and owners employ property managers to oversee the smooth, profitable running of their shopping center and retail properties. The role of the property manager often involves the management of multiple projects and tasks across numerous property locations. They are responsible for building systems, renovations, preparation of budgets, staff supervision, tenant relations and building maintenance.

With regard to exterior building maintenance, the property manager often deals with multiple vendors or service areas which can include lighting and sign services, landscaping services, porter services, parking lot sweeping services and pressure washing services. In all these areas the property manager is seeking the best possible service for the shopping center owners and tenants - the best possible service is often judged on competitive pricing, ability to deliver service, actual quality of service, responsiveness and professionalism of service provider.

The shopping center pressure washing company should be able to make the property manager's job easier by providing a hassle-free valuable service. With a regularly scheduled power washing service, the shopping center property will always be presented in the best possible light with clean storefronts and clean sidewalks. Within this service there should be a comprehensive pressure cleaning that includes all surrounding surfaces in the common area and gum removal.

Above all, the professional pressure washing contractor is a partner in the effective management of and maintenance of shopping center properties.

Chewing Gum Removal

The presence of chewing gum on sidewalks is an issue that many people find frustrating - whether it be a shopping center, restaurant, theater, school, county building, parking garage or hotel - it doesn't portray a professional or clean image to property users. The mechanical bond that is created between gum and concrete is very strong and difficult to break with regular cleaning methods. The removal of gum from concrete is most effective through the use of hot water or steam to soften and break the bond to the concrete - cold water, scraping and chemicals are not as effective and often can end up causing damage to the concrete surface.

The use of hot water and steam pressure washing methods to remove gum can help to safely remove gum without damaging the surface it is 'stuck' to and more importantly, ensure that the entrances and public areas of the property are clean and inviting.

To get the most benefit and ensure that the sidewalk surfaces are free from staining and chewing gum they should be pressure washed or steam cleaned regularly and not just when an inspection or property visit is taking place.

Retail Store Front Pressure Washing

Many retail companies are more than familiar with the importance of the first impression formed by their customers - millions of dollars are spent each year on branding, signage, store fixtures and fittings and overall customer experience.

With this in mind, the entrance to any store should be free from anything that will detract from the customer experience. Is the entrance boring, cluttered or have signage that is not welcoming to the customer? Is the signage handwritten and taped to the window? The visual impact made on the customer upon walking into the store can often affect their decision to actually make a purchase.

Another crucial element to how the condition of the storefront can affect the customers experience is its cleanliness. The importance and need for regularly scheduled pressure washing of storefronts, sidewalks and canopies can not be understated in helping to provide a welcoming retail experience. With foot traffic and the placement of trash cans at the entrance comes the related dirt, gum, spillage and stains that make the retail storefront an unpleasant environment for customers to walk through.

The use of hot water pressure washing methods can safely and effectively remove gum and surface stains without damaging the concrete - after all, the decision to invest money in having the retail storefront pressure washed should deliver increased value, and not an added expense in having to repair damage caused by less scrupulous pressure washing contractors.

It would be wise for the retail store manager to check the references of the pressure washing contractor, check that they have the relevant licenses and insurance coverage and ask them questions on their methods to ensure that they are getting the best pressure washing service.

With a competitive retail environment, economic challenges and an empowered shopper, retailers can not afford to ignore cleanliness and its impact on the customer buying experience. A clean, well-lit and inviting store entrance may not make the store an overnight success, but the employment of storefront pressure washing services will assist in increasing the dollar value of each customer visiting the store.

Office Complex Pressure Washing

If you are a facility manager, property manager or business owner in Orlando, FL you probably have experience with a cleaning company or janitorial company. They come into your office to vacuum, polish, buff, tidy, sanitize and clean all areas on the inside of the building. This helps provide a clean, safe and productive work environment where all employees can focus on their job and avoid any unnecessary delays or disruption to their day. Furthermore, the impression that a clean and sparkling reception and office area leaves on clients and prospective customers can assist in developing and maintaining profitable business relationships.

You have taken the steps to ensure that the interior of your office building is in pristine condition, but have you given consideration to the exterior cleaning needs of your building and property?

The next time you drive to your office in Orlando, FL we challenge you to take a look at the following areas on your walk from your car into your office: