Best Stores

Time for America’s Coolest … Restrooms?

You may hate being asked about your bathrooms. But, sometimes, people really need to ask.

Published

11 years ago

September 19, 2013

Ralf Kircher

OK, SO YOU SPOKE loud and clear in our latest Big Survey (the results of which appear in our forthcoming October issue), and the No. 1 question you hate being asked most is: “Do you have a bathroom?”

I’m going to set aside semantics and assume you’re all not just really big fans of the word “lavatory” over “bathroom,” and that your real beef is the general question of whether the masses may be allowed to relieve themselves on your premises.

While you may hate it, they’re still going to have to, and they’re still going to ask.

So instead of getting into potty humor with ways to turn people away, wouldn’t you rather be able to say, “No only to we have one, it was voted America’s Best Restroom!”

That’s right. About the time America’s Coolest Stores Contest was being dreamt up, America’s Best Restroom launched. Like America’s Coolest Stores, Cintas’ America’s Best Restrooms is celebrating its 12th year, and you can vote on the finalists through Oct. 31. (Don’t confuse that with www.americascooleststores.com! That contest opens Jan. 1.)

A press release about the contest reads in part:

“Will America decide the nation’s top toilet is indeed ‘functional art’ inspired by an Italian masterpiece on show at a Swiss museum? Perhaps it’ll be the ‘Pac Man’ potty inside the Pacific Coast arcade that prides itself on preserving the ‘golden age’ of gaming? Or will one of New York City’s most luxurious loos, a sprawling sophisticated space inside the iconic Waldorf Astoria hotel, capture the crown to become America’s 2013 King of the Throne? We will soon find out as this year’s top 10 public potties compete for the coveted title of Cintas’ America’s Best Restroom.”

Let us know if you decide to enter next year. I made my way through all the previous years’ finalists, and there were some pretty spectacular ones there — certainly inspiration if you’re redoing your store and want to try a different approach to your most dreaded question. I should say too that there was not a single jewelry store among them. For shame? You decide.

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”