New study shows 64% of Americans now avoid touching public doors
Today, ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems, a global leader in access solutions and automatic doors, released findings from its latest consumer sentiment survey about touchless experiences. The survey, which was conducted in September 2020 with 1,300 participants, found 64% of Americans now avoid touching public manual doors by opening/closing with their sleeves, a paper towel, or by kicking the door open.
“These numbers confirm what we have been seeing in the marketplace since the pandemic began,” Jeffrey Buennemeyer, president, ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems Americas, said. “COVID-19 has forced businesses to rethink how people access spaces and invest in solutions that increase consumer confidence and decrease the need to make contact with commonly touched areas that can be a major source for the transfer of germs and bacteria. ”
The study goes on to demonstrate that 68% of all Americans now have a preference for stores, pharmacies, doctors’ offices, offices and restrooms that use automatic doors to provide a more convenient/touchless experience. Since the start of the pandemic, companies have responded to this preference. As a result, the demand for touchless solutions have skyrocketed in North America.
"When you think about consumer experiences, technology is everywhere and so many things are automatic—from dispensing paper towels and soap, to lighting, and moving walkways. Consumers want and expect easy, touchless, germ-free experiences; and focusing on access and entryways is one of the most obvious needs," Buennemeyer added.