Bradley, a restroom construction company, recently released the results of its 2025 Healthy Handwashing Survey, which explores what upgrades Americans most want to see in public restrooms.
From privacy improvements to touchless fixtures, Bradley’s survey examines how people’s preferences could shape the future of restrooms in a variety of high-traffic facilities.
The survey found that 86% of adults think it would be valuable for restrooms in high-traffic locations to have a display showing how many stalls are available. “Based on the number of openings, individuals and families could decide if they’d like to stop by that specific restroom or continue to one that’s less crowded. Such systems are already in place in many airport bathrooms to save time and help eliminate the frustration of searching for an open stall or waiting in a long line,” Bradley said in a press release.
Consumers are also seeking more privacy. Seventy-two percent of adults feel public restroom stalls don’t provide enough “personal space” protection.
Specifically, 53% would “like the gaps around the stall door and where the stalls come together to be eliminated and 45% want doors that extend all the way to the floor. Also, 44% want an indicator on the stall door that shows whether it’s occupied or not.”
A few of the other key takeaways include:
- 40% would likely pay for cleaner and better-stocked public restrooms (46% of men)
- 80% of Americans think it’s important for public restrooms to have touchless fixtures
- A top reason for skipping handwashing in a public restroom is that there’s no soap and/or paper towels available
Interested in c-store specific data and insights into consumer preferences? Join your peers at the 2025 NACS State of the Industry Summit in Dallas April 8-10 to learn more convenience related research.