christopher Harper, Author at DJ Products

Consumer Preferences Drive Changes in the Hotel Industry

Increased Consumer Travel is Creating and Update in the Hotel Industry

Over the last seven years, the hotel industry has enjoyed its biggest boom period in history. Growth is stabilizing at a smaller but steady rate, making this a good time to take advantage of hot trends in the hotel industry.

What’s Driving the Increase in Hotel Stays?

In an interview during a recent hospitality industry conference in New York City, Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson gave two reasons for the upswing in travel:

• People are seeking satisfaction from life experiences rather than material possessions.

• The international middle class is growing, giving rise to hundreds of millions of people eager to travel for the first time.

Hotel Industry Trends to Watch

• Major players like Marriott and Hilton continue to introduce new brands that each offer different experiences, making it easier to attract specific audiences.

• There has also been an increase in soft brands such as Wyndham’s Trademark. These groups of independent hotels participate in a major brand’s booking and loyalty programs.

• Hotels are using customized approaches to specific customers as opposed to a one-size-fits-all service.

• Technology is becoming more widely integrated in the hotel industry, allowing guests to use smart phones and tablets to open room doors, order room service and settle accounts.

• Issues such as travel restrictions and lodging-sharing companies like Airbnb are forcing members of the hotel industry to make their voices heard in the political arena.

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eCommerce Needs Are Changing the Face of Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Online Shopping Trends Are Impacting Logistics

E-commerce has revolutionized the way the world shops, but it’s had an even bigger impact on the business side. Companies are making sweeping changes in logistics and supply chain management to accommodate the new virtual landscape of retail.

E-Commerce: Keeping Pace with Customer Demands

Customer expectations for speedy deliveries are driving a shift in “last mile” strategies as companies seek ways to create delivery windows of as little as two hours. Regional distribution centers are giving way to facilities located in dense urban areas where most of the customers are.

As small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) struggle to compete with industry giants for market share, they’ve come to rely on third-party logistics (3PL) operators to facilitate distribution and fulfillment services. Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba recently rolled out One Touch, a high-tech platform that allows merchants to directly handle export-related services.

Amazon Leads the Way

Not surprisingly, Amazon has been in the forefront of many of these changes. They’ve been aggressively expanding their logistics and global shipping operations since 2012, causing much of the shake-up in traditional supply chain operations.

According to a report from real estate services firm Colliers International, Amazon is using its Amazon Prime service to control supply chain operations and improve delivery times. Amazon is also becoming a de facto 3PL by opening smaller distribution facilities near customers.

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Introducing the WasteCaddy Ride-on Dumpster Mover

Make Your Operations Easier with Our Equipment

Trash room injuries are as common as they are painful. Automated equipment reduces the risk of injury, lost time, and costly workers comp claims. That’s why DJ Products has developed a diverse lineup of waste container movers. Perhaps the safest and easiest to use of all: our new WasteCaddy Ride-On Dumpster Mover.

Easier Than Driving a Golf Cart

Our WasteCaddy products shoulder the burden of pushing, pulling, and maneuvering dumpsters that may weigh many thousands of pounds. Our ride-on dumpster mover offers yet another ergonomic solution as an alternative to our walk-along dumpster tows.

Virtually any employee can—by himself or herself—move dumpsters from the trash room to curbside pickup areas.

• Adjustable acceleration and braking

• Up to 6 mph going forward, up to 2 mph in reverse

• Easy steering and button controls

• Pivots precisely to turn tight corners and hit targets

Be sure to check the WasteCaddy video to see it in action!

Tech Specs for the WasteCaddy Ride-On Dumpster Mover

We design every piece of equipment around the needs and preferences of our customers. The ride-on WasteCaddy has these user-friendly specs:

Handles up to 5,000-lb. dumpsters
Easy attachment system for any standard dumpster or trash container
36v, 115-amp batteries with an onboard charger
Non-marking tires
3000-lb. differential
Ergonomic thumb twist grips

Benefits of the WasteCaddy Dumpster Mover

Investing in a WasteCaddy means more than just increasing safety. DJ Products dumpster movers can increase productivity by 50%, help retain talented employees thanks to better morale and health, and even lower your insurance premiums.

Ready to get behind the wheel? Contact DJ Products for a free demo or more info!

Demand for Warehouse Space Continues to Outpace Supply

Warehouse Supply Trends

When it comes to lucrative real estate properties, warehouses might not be the first things that come to mind. Over the last few years, a number of factors have combined to make warehouses a hot commodity in the business world.

Demand for Warehouse Space Continues to Grow

According to real estate company CBRE, during the second quarter of 2017 the warehouse availability rate dropped to 7.8 percent, marking the lowest level since the first quarter of 2001 and the 27th decline over the last 28 quarters.

Not surprisingly, the scarcity of warehouse space has driven a corresponding increase in rental rates. Average rates are up 10 percent in the top coastal markets and average asking prices are $5.25 per square foot, a significant jump from $4.62 per square foot two years ago.

Construction Is Slow to Meet the Increased Need for Warehouses

While existing warehouse space is in high demand, new construction has so far failed to pick up the slack. Projections called for a total of 46.5 million square feet in new warehouse space to be completed during the second quarter, but the actual total amounted to 40.2 million square feet.

Jeff Havsy, CBRE’s chief economist in the Americas, attributes the tight warehouse market to strong economic growth. Other causes include gains in port traffic and the continued upswing in e-commerce.

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Legendary Hotelier Considers Airbnb a Huge Threat to the Industry

Hospitality Becoming Less About the Money, More About The Experience

In less than 10 years, Airbnb has grown to include more than 3,000,000 listings serving 150,000,000 customers. An iconic figure in the hospitality industry who introduced boutique hotels to the world is unveiling a new concept designed to fight back at the upstart service.

Hotels as Social Hubs

Ian Schrager, co-founder of legendary 70s nightclub Studio 54, went on to create Morgans, the first boutique hotel, which opened in Manhattan in 1984. Schrager’s new hotel, Public, located in New York’s Bowery district, offers a style of no-frills elegance referred to as “tough luxe.”

In a recent interview, Schrager stated that he feels the hotel industry is “in denial” about Airbnb, just as the sector originally dismissed online travel agencies such as Expedia and Travelocity. Public is designed to provide upscale lodging with a social atmosphere that’s missing from the Airbnb experience.

Enhancing the Social Experience of Travel

The rooms at Public are stark but sophisticated, and amenities such as bellmen and room service have been eliminated. In keeping with the emphasis on the social aspect of travel, the hotel features two restaurants, two interior bars and a rooftop terrace, and a performance space to accommodate film screenings, theater performances, readings, and art exhibits.

Schrager explained that the concept of luxury has become more about the experience than the cost. This idea led him to forgo unnecessary glitz in favor of ramping up the communal and entertainment features.

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Increase in E-Commerce Creates a Booming Demand for Warehouse Space

As foot traffic in brick-and-mortar stores continues to decline, commercial real estate is being hit hard by mall closings. But that’s good news for warehouse landlords, who are seeing an increase in demand driven by the rise in online shopping.

Warehouses: The Hot New Real Estate Properties

Most retail properties are controlled by real estate investment trusts, also known as REITs. Retail store closings and bankruptcies have caused retail REITs to drop nearly 20 percent in early 2017.

On the other hand, industrial REITs that control warehouses are benefitting from a demand that outstrips current supply. Jonathan Petersen, analyst for global investment banking firm Jeffries, says the shift to e-commerce has caused price targets for industrial REITs to be raised across the board.

According to industry estimates, online retailers require three times as much warehouse space as traditional brick-and-mortar retailers. Peterson explains that e-commerce makes up 10 percent of retail sales, and simply doubling their share would create a need for 600 million square feet of new warehouses.

What Does the Future Hold?

The increase in e-commerce and warehouse demand is more than just a cyclical event. Peterson goes on to say that he and Jeffries see it as the beginning of a “secular growth trend” that’s expected to continue for several years.

Electric Industrial Tugs from DJ Products

As warehouse use increases, efficient operations will be more vital than ever. Industrial tugs such as our CartCaddyShorty let a single employee move loads of up to 3,000 pounds quickly and safely.

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Bed Bugs in Hotels – The Problem is Getting More Notice from Guests

Over the Past few years, reports of bed bugs in hotels have received a great deal of media attention. Despite this fact, the hospitality industry is fighting an even greater battle with the public’s lack of general understanding regarding bed bugs.

Battling Public Misinformation

Researchers at the University of Kentucky recently conducted a survey to explore public perception of bed bugs in hotels. While 60 percent of respondents said they would move to a different hotel if they discovered evidence of bed bugs, no more than 25 percent would do the same with problems like smoky rooms or dirty linens.

Surprisingly, most respondents don’t know what bed bugs look like. When shown a “lineup” of five different insect pests, only 35 percent of business travelers and 28 percent of leisure travelers recognized the bed bug.

More than half the respondents said they would avoid a hotel that had a single online report of bed bugs. Jerrod M. Penn, PhD, lead author of the study, expressed concern at this finding, citing the unreliability of online reviews.

How Should Hotels Respond?

Wuyang Hu, PhD, senior author of the study, suggested a two-pronged approach to the issue:

Train hotel staffs to recognize bed bugs in the early stages.
Develop a reputation management plan to respond to online reviews as well as incidents within the hotel.

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Cut the Risk and Improve Safety When It Comes to Your Trash Room

Save Money and Make Your Workers Happy By Making Their Job Easier on Them and Your Insurance Cheaper.

Just as you can lower your car insurance by driving a safer car and avoiding accidents, you can lower your workers comp premiums with tools and strategies to improve dumpster safety. Besides the nightmare scenario of a dumpster tipping over and injuring an employee, your team faces an ongoing risk of repetitive stress and muscle injuries related to moving dumpsters.

How a Dumpster Pusher Can Help

When your employees move a dumpster or waste container, are they using manual force to steer and push it? Even on wheels, it takes a physical exertion that exceeds what the human body can comfortably perform. Both instantaneous injuries and long-term, built-up musculoskeletal disorders can put your worker on paid leave and increase workers comp insurance costs.

An automated dumpster pusher is the best way to improve trash room safety:

• Lower your Experience Modification Rating (EMR or E-Mod)

• Reduce workers compensation insurance premiums

• Keep your employees healthy and avoid costly time off

• Avoid high employee turnover and the associated loss of productivity

• Double the efficiency of trash room duties

• Manage the trash room in less time and/or with fewer employees

• Improve cleanliness and customer satisfaction at multi-family properties, retail, hospitality, etc.

The #1 Solution for the Biggest Injury Risk

Any business with a trash room or the need to move dumpsters can benefit from using a motorized dumpster pusher. In particular, rental properties benefit from using the WasteCaddy because trash-related injuries are the #1 risk for worker injury.

Tackle the trash room, and you can tackle your workers comp premiums. Contact DJ Products for a quote or demo of our WasteCaddy dumpster pusher.

Are Military Contractors Being Helped Too Much by the Government?

Safety Should Always Be First.

Dating back to the mid-20th century, President Dwight Eisenhower predicted an unholy alliance between defense contractors, politicians and military brass. Today his vision has become reality, as fat contracts have taken precedence over the actual needs of our troops.

Profits Taking Priority Over Function and Safety?

The problems of a poorly-equipped military date back to the Civil War. Over the subsequent years, the level of dysfunction in the procurement process has grown to the point where 50 of the Pentagon’s 63 largest programs are over budget by a staggering $296 billion.

A military contractor equipment supplier faces little competition and even less outside scrutiny. As a result, contractors will often line their pockets by offering plenty of bells and whistles with no substance.

The stakes are even higher for military supplies and equipment than for most other products. If a refrigerator or computer malfunctions, it’s an inconvenience. With military items, problems can result in injuries or even deaths.

Reforming the Military Procurement Process

• Solicit input from the troops. The men and women who will actually be using the supplies and equipment are the true experts.

• Restore competition among contractors. Open up the process to companies outside the so-called Iron Triangle.

• Designate a centralized office or agency to provide the strong oversight that’s sorely lacking right now.

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Hotels Embrace Robots and Automated Butlers

Remember Rosie, the sarcastic but lovable robot maid employed by ’60 cartoon family The Jetsons? She’s becoming closer to reality as the hospitality industry increasingly integrates technology with guest services.

At Your Service: High-Tech Amenities

• The Aloft Cupertino, a stone’s throw from Apple’s California headquarters, employs Botlr, a robotic butler complete with bowtie who will deliver breakfast, towels and toiletries to your room.

• Luxury hotel YOTEL in New York City facilitates luggage storage with YOBOT. Guests leave their bags in a drop-off area for YOBOT to place in a secure locker and retrieve upon request. The entire process is controlled by touchscreens and PIN codes.

• Several Bay Area hotels have taken minibars to the next level with Plum, an automatic dispenser that holds wine at the perfect temperature and serves by the glass.

• All 748 rooms in the Wynn Las Vegas are equipped with Alexa, Amazon’s voice-activated personal assistant that handles tasks from opening the curtains to raising or lowering the temperature.

• Another plush Las Vegas hotel, the Aria, features in-room tablets for use in controlling room features, ordering room service, making spa or restaurant reservations and reading your hometown newspaper.

• Peloton’s internet-enabled exercise bikes are installed in several Westin hotels, allowing guests to take virtual spin classes.

Move Hotel Equipment Effortlessly with Electric Carts from DJ Products

Improve workplace efficiency and safety with battery-powered carts that allow a single employee to move heavy hotel equipment. Visit our website and use our handy online chat feature to learn more about solutions such as our popular CartCaddyLite from our helpful sales engineers.

Author: christopher Harper