The Best Types of Floor Mats for Shops & Retail Environments
by Richard O'Connor
Dec 18, 2025 | *5 minutes to readRetail entrances work harder than almost any other area of a building. Every customer that walks through the door brings moisture, dirt, grit, and debris with them, all of which can quickly create safety risks and increase cleaning costs. Choosing the right floor mats for a retail environment is not simply about appearance, it’s about performance, durability, and suitability for the space.
Different retail environments have different demands, and understanding those differences is key to choosing matting that genuinely works.
Why the Right Retail Matting Matters
In busy shops, floors can become hazardous very quickly, particularly during wet weather. Without suitable matting, water is spread throughout the store, increasing the likelihood of slips and trips and placing additional strain on cleaning staff.
High-performing retail mats help to:
- Reduce slip risks by removing moisture from footwear
- Trap dirt and grit before it damages flooring
- Lower cleaning and maintenance costs
- Create a professional and welcoming first impression
The challenge is ensuring the matting chosen is fit for purpose.
How Different Retail Environments Have Different Needs
There is no single “one-size-fits-all” mat for retail. The best option depends on footfall levels, entrance design, and the type of traffic moving through the store.
High-Street Shops and Smaller Retail Units
High-street shops often deal with customers moving directly from the pavement into the store. In these environments, entrance mats need to scrape dirt and absorb water effectively, particularly during rainy months.
For these spaces, loose-laid commercial entrance mats with heavy-duty rubber backing and strong borders work well. Larger mats are especially effective, as the more steps a customer takes on the mat, the more moisture and debris is removed before they reach the shop floor.
Choosing a mat that lies flat and remains stable is essential to prevent movement and curled edges, both of which can create trip hazards in customer-facing areas.
Large Supermarkets and High-Footfall Stores
Supermarkets and large retail stores face a different challenge. Thousands of customers pass through the entrance every day, many using shopping trolleys that place constant pressure on matting.
In these environments, permanently fitted matting systems such as mat-well mats are often the most suitable option. These mats sit flush with the surrounding floor and are designed to withstand continuous trolley traffic without shifting or degrading.
Their fitted design reduces trip risks while providing a neat, professional finish that can cope with sustained heavy use.
Seasonal and Transitional Areas
Many retail stores benefit from using additional mats during wetter months. Extra absorbent mats placed just inside the entrance help manage increased water and dirt levels during autumn and winter.
These additional mats can be stored away during drier periods, making them a practical and cost-effective way to adapt to seasonal conditions without permanent changes to the entrance layout.
Slips, Trips, and the Cost of Poor Matting Choices
Slip and trip accidents in retail environments are a serious concern, and inadequate matting is often a contributing factor. A number of real-world cases demonstrate the financial and reputational risks of getting entrance matting wrong.
In one case, the lack of suitable entrance matting led to a customer slipping on a wet floor, resulting in a £17,500 compensation payout . The absence of effective water control at the entrance was cited as a key factor.
In another case from 2025, a customer slipped in an Asda supermarket, leading to a £4,350 compensation claim . Once again, water brought in from outside played a significant role.
A further case from 2018 highlighted the risks of using matting that cannot cope with wet weather. The entrance mat became saturated, allowing water to spread onto the surrounding floor. The accident resulted in £41,835.55 in damages being awarded.
Poor mat quality can be just as dangerous as having no mat at all. In 2021, a trip accident occurred in an Iceland store after a mat’s edges curled upwards, resulting in a £9,500 damages payout .
These cases clearly demonstrate that retail matting must not only be present, but must also be capable of absorbing sufficient moisture and be of a high enough quality to remain flat and secure over time.
Accessibility and Safety Go Hand in Hand
Accessibility should always be considered when selecting retail entrance mats. Mats must allow smooth access for wheelchairs, pushchairs, and mobility aids without creating resistance or trip risks.
Natural coir matting, while popular for its appearance, is not ideal for accessible entrances. Instead, low-profile mats with rubber backing or recessed mat-well systems provide a safer and more suitable option.
For further guidance, the DDA compliant matting guide explains what to choose and what to avoid when planning accessible retail entrances.
Balancing Performance and Appearance
Retail matting does not have to look purely functional. Branded logo mats allow retailers to reinforce their brand at the entrance while still benefiting from effective dirt and moisture removal.
When designed correctly, these mats provide a balance between presentation and performance, making them well suited to customer-facing retail spaces.
Choosing the Right Matting for Your Store
The best floor mats for retail environments are:
- Heavy-duty and designed for high footfall
- Rubber-backed with strong, bevelled edges
- Large enough to allow multiple foot contacts
- Suitable for wheeled traffic such as trolleys
- Capable of coping with seasonal weather changes
Cutting corners on matting can lead to increased cleaning costs, damaged flooring, and serious safety risks. Investing in the right matting from the outset helps protect customers, staff, and your business.
By understanding the demands of your retail environment and choosing matting that meets those needs, you can create a safer, cleaner, and more professional entrance that performs reliably all year round.
Explore More Topics
The Best Floor Mats for Packing Stations
Packing stations are often the heartbeat of goods-out. If your team is picking, checking, boxing, labelling, and getting orders ready for collection, they’re likely spending long periods on hard floors,...
The Best Mats for Schools, Universities, and Other Education Institutes
Schools, colleges, universities, and academies all have one thing in common: high footfall. From pupils rushing between lessons to staff, visitors, and parents coming and going throughout the day, education...
The Best Types of Floor Mats for Shops & Retail Environments
Retail entrances work harder than almost any other area of a building. Every customer that walks through the door brings moisture, dirt, grit, and debris with them, all of which...
Best Mats for Campsites and Holiday Parks
If you run a campsite or holiday park, you already know the pattern: one wet weekend and suddenly the reception floor is gritty, the route to the wash block is...
DDA-Compliant Floor Matting: What to Choose (and Avoid) for Accessible Entrances
Contents The DDA and accessibility duties Why there’s no such thing as “certified DDA-compliant” matting The legal frameworks that affect matting choices What...
The Best Floor Mats for Stock Rooms and Store Rooms
Stock rooms and store rooms are often busy, functional spaces that support the smooth running of retail, hospitality, food service and commercial environments. While they may not be customer-facing, these...
Choosing the Best Mats for Farmhouses
Farmhouses are some of the most characterful and welcoming homes in the UK, but they also face flooring challenges that most modern properties rarely encounter. Muddy fields, gravel paths, farm...
Floor Mats Guide for Housing Associations and HMOs
Housing associations, HMO landlords, and property managers oversee buildings where multiple residents share entrances, corridors, and communal facilities. These high-use areas experience significant foot traffic, frequent cleaning demands, and a...
Choosing the Right Mats for Leisure Centres
Leisure centres are dynamic environments where hundreds of visitors pass through each day. From swimming pools and changing rooms to gyms and entrance lobbies, each area presents its own challenges...
The Best Floor Mats for Builders: A Practical Guide for Professionals
Builders and tradespeople work in environments that can shift dramatically from one moment to the next. A single job may involve muddy outdoor areas, unfinished interiors, delicate flooring, and spaces...
Best Floor Mats for Waste Management and Recycling Centres
Waste management and recycling centres operate in some of the most demanding environments of any industry. Constant foot traffic, exposure to liquids and debris, and the presence of oils, chemicals,...
Break Room Mats for Cleaner, Safer Staff Areas
A staff break room is more than just a place to grab a quick coffee. It is a vital welfare space where employees unwind, reset, and return to work feeling...
The Best Floor Mats for Property Developers
Property developers have very different needs from the average homeowner when it comes to floor mats. While a typical domestic doormat only needs to cope with light foot traffic, property...
How to Keep Your Site Cabin Floors Clean
Keeping a site cabin clean may not be the first thing on a busy site manager’s checklist, but it plays a major role in maintaining a safe, organised, and compliant...
Portable Containment Bund - Compatibility Chart
Selecting suitable equipment for chemical storage and spill control depends on verified material compatibility. This guide summarises how common substances interact with PVC with a protective proofing layer (PES/PVC), enabling...
Colorful Classrooms: Leveraging Floor Matting and Adjustable Furniture to Create Engaging Spaces
Learning environments are evolving to meet the needs of students who think, move, and learn differently. Colourful classroom spaces that combine thoughtful design with vibrant visual elements are more than...
Entrance Mat Sizing Guide
Have you ever purchased a mat only to find it's too small to catch dirt or too large for your doorway? Selecting the right-sized mat is essential, not just for...
What Are the Most Eco-Friendly Floor Mats?
Have you ever paused at your front door and wondered if your doormat is eco-friendly? We often focus on recycling and reducing energy use in our homes, but even a...
Which Floor Mats Can You Use Outdoors?
Have you ever stepped outside your door and slipped on a wet, ineffective mat? Or perhaps you've noticed your once-attractive mat has deteriorated rapidly after being exposed to rain and...
How to Fit a Recessed Door Mat
Recessed door mats keep your entryway tidy and safe by fitting flush with your floor. If you have an existing matwell or frame, installing coir...
Why Branded Floor Mats Are a Smart Business Investment
Have you ever considered the importance of your entrance area to your overall business image? Are you making the most of every opportunity to showcase your brand?...
5 Benefits of Using Cable Protectors
Cable protectors are a great way to ensure your cables stay safe and in place. They can be used for many everyday purposes, such as preventing tripping hazards, covering unsightly...
Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal with the Right Doormat
Have you ever walked up to a house and immediately felt like this is a house you want to own, even before even stepping inside? That first impression is...
The Versatility of Floor Mats: More Than Just the Front Door
When most people think of floor mats, the front door is the first place that comes to mind. While it’s true that entrance mats are essential...
Ergonomic Workstations: Things You Need to Know When Setting One Up
Creating an ergonomic workstation is essential for maintaining employee well-being, increasing productivity, and improving staff retention. Poorly designed workstations can lead to discomfort, musculoskeletal issues, and decreased efficiency. This guide...
How to Protect Your Hardwood Floors Using Entrance Mats
Hardwood floors add warmth and elegance to any home, but keeping them looking pristine requires careful maintenance. One of the biggest threats to hardwood flooring is the dirt and grime...
The Different Textures of Entrance Matting and Their Benefits
Entrance mats may seem like a simple addition to your home or business, but not all mats are the same. A mat's texture is crucial in how well it...
What Vegans Need to Know About Door Mats
This article has been written by our Director, Richard O’Connor, who has been exploring how well door mats can align with vegan values. As a vegetarian making more vegan choices...
6 Tips for using a Standing Desk Correctly
As people are becoming more aware of their fitness levels and ways in which they can stay healthy, standing desks have increased in popularity because those who have previously had...
5 Creative Ways to Use Your Logo on Products to Boost Brand Awareness
Businesses today compete for attention across countless platforms. Customers have more choices than ever, so brand loyalty is becoming harder to secure. In this landscape, a brand’s image needs to...
The Different Surfaces of Anti-Fatigue Matting Explained
Understanding the different surface textures of anti-fatigue matting is essential for selecting the right one for your workspace. Anti-fatigue mats come in various textures, each designed to provide specific benefits...
Industrial Matting Fact Sheet
Introduction Industrial matting plays a crucial role in maintaining safety, comfort, and efficiency in various work environments. This fact sheet provides essential information about the different types of industrial mats,...
How to keep warm at work: Cost-effective ways to beat the bills
Are you concerned about your business running costs now that energy prices have gone through the roof? Electricity prices have increased 74% for large industrial units in the past...
The Cost of Slips, Trips, and Falls to British Industry
The Cost of Slips, Trips, and Falls to British Industry Are slips, trips, and falls costing your business dearly? Is your workforce underperforming? Are you missing expertise on the floor...
4-Day Work Week in the UK - Key Facts & Statistics
The world of work has seen a lot of change since the beginning of the 2020s, and — in turn — many companies have placed employee well-being at the top...
From Nut to Mat - How Coir Matting is Made
Door mats might not stand out as being the most obvious product to boast an interesting manufacturing history, but the truth of the matter is that coir...
A Quick Guide to Storing Small Chemical Products Safely
Introduction This blog post provides a simplified guide to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) document titled 'Storing Chemical SR24 Products (small scale)'....
Executive Summary of HSE Work-Related MSDs Statistics
Executive Summary: Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Statistics in Great Britain This article provides a comprehensive summary of the key findings from the Health and Safety...
Executive Summary of HSE Work-Related Fatal Injuries Statistics
Executive Summary of HSE Work-Related Fatal Injuries Statistics This article is compiled by First Mats and provides an executive summary of the
The Costs to Britain of Workplace Accidents, Injuries and Ill-Health: HSE Report Summary
An Executive Summary of the HSE Report: Costs to Britain of Workplace Fatalities and Self-reported Injuries and Ill Health Published in November 2023, this report presents the latest estimates of...
The Environmental Impact of Generator Spills and How to Mitigate Them
Generators, while vital in modern life for a variety of applications, come with certain environmental risks. When not managed properly, spills from these machines can have devastating effects on our...
How to Prevent and Clean Oil Spills in the Workplace: A Comprehensive Guide
Workplace oil spills are more than just an inconvenient mess; they present serious risks to employee safety and the environment. Several pieces of legislation in the UK, such as the...
AdBlue: Its Risks to Health and the Environment
In an era where environmental responsibility and sustainable practices take centre stage, understanding the various components of these efforts is paramount. One such component, extensively used in the automotive industry,...
The Best Colour Door Mats for People With Dementia
Dementia is a syndrome associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning, affecting memory, thinking speed, language, understanding, judgement, mood, and movement. It impacts more than 850,000 people in the...
Tips for Moving Plasterboard Safely and Efficiently
Plasterboard, also known as drywall, is a common material used in construction and renovation projects. While it's a versatile and useful material, moving plasterboard can be challenging due to its...
Understanding UDL: Uniformally Distributed Load
What Does UDL Mean? UDL, or Uniformally Distributed Load, is a term used in the field of manual handling equipment to describe the weight capacity of a particular piece of...
Bund Integrity Testing - What You Need to Know
As a responsible business owner, protecting your assets should be one of your top priorities. One approach to securing your assets is using portable bunding solutions, such as
The Complete Guide to Foam Impact Protectors: Enhancing Workplace Safety
Impact Protection Foam is a vital component in industrial environments, serving as a crucial safeguard against injuries caused by impacts with hard surfaces. Designed with a...
Rising Stress Levels in the UK and the Impact on Workers - Facts and Statistics
A recent study conducted by First Mats has highlighted the growing issue of stress among the UK population. Our survey of over 1,000 UK adults found that more...
Mats for Wudu / Ablution Areas in Mosques
Here at First Mats, we have an extensive selection of wet room matting ideal for Wudu/ Ablution areas in Mosques and other spiritual sites. The outstanding water drainage, anti-slip...
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, we’re here to help
How long does delivery take?
Each product comes with a specified lead time for delivery. We'll keep you informed if there are any delays in meeting this timeline.
Typically, once you’ve finalised your order and approved the proof, it will take 4-5 business days to make and deliver your finished mat.
If my order is damaged, can I return or exchange it?
Got a problem with your order? If something's not right or you're not thrilled with the quality, just let us know within 14 days of getting it. Drop us a line, and we'll tell you what to do next—usually, it starts with you sending us a photo of the issue. Once we check that out, we'll sort you out with a refund or a new item, no fuss.
Can I get my mat delivered more quickly?
Need your item in a hurry? Just Contact us to explore the faster delivery options we might have for you!
If my custom mat is damaged, can I return or exchange it?
Got a problem with your order? If something's not right or you're not thrilled with the quality, just let us know within 14 days of getting it. Drop us a line, and we'll tell you what to do next—usually, it starts with you sending us a photo of the issue. Once we check that out, we'll sort you out with a refund or a new item, no fuss.