Retail

How aesthetic entrance mats enhance brand image in retail stores

22 July 2026
How aesthetic entrance mats enhance brand image in retail stores

In our latest guide we explain how, in the retail world, entrance matting not only strengthens brand identity and improves customer experience, but also increases safety and supports sustainability goals.

Retail entrance mats – why they matter

The entrance area acts as the welcome point for your store, setting the tone for the entire shopping experience and giving customers an immediate sense of your brand. Whatever your project - whether you are managing a fashion retailer, supermarket, department store, or shopping centre - the entrance needs to feel professional, safe, and inviting.

Never underestimate how much retail customers notice! While worn flooring, slippery surfaces, and generic retail door mats make a space feel neglected, clean and visually appealing entrance matting give a polished first impression. Visitors can be confident that they are entering a well-maintained and trustworthy retail environment.

A customer’s initial step across the threshold is also where your branding opportunities begin.

Entrance mats as a branding tool

Retail branding is no longer limited to signage, displays, and packaging. Today, functional items like entrance mats have become part of the overall brand experience.

Through custom entrance mats, retailers are able to reinforce brand identity from the moment customers enter the building. With today’s options, branded logo mats can incorporate company colours, slogans, or logos which instantly creates a more cohesive and memorable environment.

This gives facilities managers a simple and effective way to blend practicality with marketing. Instead of using plain retail floor mats, retailers can install custom entrance mats, reflecting their brand personality while still delivering excellent floor protection.

A luxury retailer may choose elegant logo matting in muted colours to complement a premium aesthetic, while a family-focused retailer might use brighter branded logo mats that create a welcoming atmosphere. In both cases, the entrance mat becomes part of the customer journey rather than just a functional accessory.

Custom entrance mats - balancing function and aesthetics

Of course, entrance matting still needs to perform its core job exceptionally well, as we have discussed in our Retail Entrance Matting Blog. It needs to prevent the spread of dirt and moisture throughout the store which keeps floors cleaner and reduces maintenance costs, and it needs to minimise the risk of slips and falls (see How heavy-duty entrance matting reduces slip risks and cleaning costs in busy UK retail stores for more on this).

The good news is that retailers no longer have to choose between function and appearance. Modern retail entrance mats from Entrance Matting Systems Ltd. are designed to deliver both.

Today’s logo matting solutions combine high-performance materials with stylish finishes and custom branding options. Facilities managers can select from a range of colours, textures, and designs that complement the store interior while also meeting practical demands.

Retail entrance mats - enhancing the customer experience

Customers remember how a retail space makes them feel. Clean, attractive entrances help create a positive emotional response before shoppers even start browsing. Quite simply, a clean store is more pleasant to shop in and one that customers are likely to stay longer in.

A professionally designed and well manufactured custom entrance mat contributes to this experience by:

•    Creating a welcoming and organised entrance.

•    Communicating professionalism and attention to detail.

•    Improving comfort and safety underfoot.

The benefits of retail entrance mats

As well as aesthetics and branding, retail entrance mats offer the following practical benefits for retailers:

Reduced cleaning costs – because effective entrance matting traps dirt and water at the door, cleaning requirements throughout the store are lowered and the condition of internal floors is maintained. 

Improved safety - anti-slip entrance mats reduce accidents, which protects both customers and staff and supports health and safety compliance.

Extended flooring lifespan - entrance matting systems help minimise wear and tear caused by heavy foot traffic which can extend the lifespan of your flooring by reducing the frequency of repairs or replacement required.

Strong brand presentation - branded logo mats contribute to a professional and consistent visual identity that customers notice immediately.

Sustainability and retail entrance mats

In a world where sustainability is increasingly important to retailers, entrance matting from EMS Ltd. contributes to greener operations.

At EMS Ltd., we have the largest range of recycled, recyclable and sustainable products currently in the market, making us your most environmentally responsible choice.

Branded logo mats – a smart investment

For retail facilities managers, every detail contributes to the overall customer experience and their perception of brand image.

The right retail door mats combine safety, cleanliness, durability, and branding into one effective solution. With branded logo matting and custom entrance mat options now widely available, retailers can transform a functional necessity into a valuable brand asset.

Retail entrance mats and branded logo mats from EMS Ltd.

At Entrance Matting Systems Ltd., we offer bespoke design options, anodised finishes and the ability to incorporate custom logo mats and curved matting into your design.

The EMS Tretford Design Range is a versatile matting system that is ideal for branding, logos and bespoke retail designs. Available recessed or surface-mounted, EMS Tretford can be used with 40 colours of premium cashmere infills and features a recycled aluminium grid system that can be anodised in 8 popular colours or specialist, colour-matched shades.

The Evergreen Debris Channel Barrier Entrance Matting System is also available recessed or surface-mounted with a choice of anodised scraper bar colours and multiple infill colour options. With a minimum recycled content of 80%, the Debris Channel range is accredited by GreenSpec, an independent UK-based resource.

Contact us

In a competitive retail landscape, those first few seconds matter — and the right entrance matting can help make them count. To find out more, email us at info@entrance-matting.com or call 01205 761757.