Parking problems in retail? Smart problems for stress-free parking

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Parking problems are the order of the day in Germany!

Saturday is shopping day and the cities are full! In the retail sector, Monday is also a factor. But the hustle and bustle also means high utilization of the available parking spaces. This is because vehicle traffic is constantly growing in urban centers and shopping districts, while the supply of parking spaces remains limited. 

Where parking space is scarce and traffic is heavy, innovative concepts such as those from Wemolo not only offer a practical solution, but also give you a real competitive advantage. Find out why!

Why have parking problems been increasing for years?

The parking situation in the retail sector is getting worse all the time - but why is that? Several factors are contributing to the fact that free parking spaces are becoming increasingly rare:

• Growing vehicle density: The number of vehicles is continuously increasing, but the available parking space remains the same. In cities in particular, this leads to congestion and longer search times.
• Urbanization: Densely populated areas leave little room for new parking spaces. At the same time, more and more people are moving to the city, increasing the pressure on existing parking spaces.
• Stricter regulations: Environmental regulations and sustainability targets mean that new construction projects often have to make do with fewer parking spaces. Some cities are even deliberately reducing parking spaces in city centers in order to promote alternative means of transport.
• Third-party parkers block parking spaces: Customers are not always the only users of available parking spaces. Parking spaces are often used by residents, commuters, parking offenders and long-term parkers. This leads to bottlenecks.
• Rising customer expectations: Convenience is playing an increasingly important role. Regardless of which store customers drive to, they would like to have a parking space without having to search for a long time.

In view of these developments, efficient solutions are required.

Book a non-binding consultation here!

The consequences of the parking problems for retailers

A lack of parking spaces is not only a nuisance for customers, but also has a direct economic and operational impact on companies. If parking spaces are scarce or used inefficiently, various problems can arise:

• Customer loss: A difficult search for a parking space can make the difference between a visit to the store and an abandoned purchase. Customers may turn around after a few minutes if they can't find a parking space and drive to the competition instead.
• Loss of revenue: fewer customers means less turnover. Especially in shopping centers and supermarkets, a lack of parking facilities can have a significant impact on business success.
• Frustration among employees: Employees are also dependent on parking spaces. If they are regularly blocked by third-party parkers, this leads to dissatisfaction and loss of time.
• Wild parking: When official parking spaces are occupied, many drivers switch to unauthorized areas. For example, on footpaths, driveways or customer parking spaces, possibly without actually shopping.
• Traffic problems and environmental pollution: A long search for a free parking space increases the volume of traffic and increases emissions - a problem for the environment and residents alike.

How companies solve parking problems: Efficient use of existing parking spaces

Instead of creating expensive new parking spaces, the solution lies in the intelligent use of existing parking spaces. Digitalization and modern parking space management enable more efficient organization and better availability for customers. This turns parking spaces into an asset that makes locations more attractive in the long term.

1. digitization of parking space management

Modern parking space monitoring uses digital systems to manage parking spaces efficiently. When entering the parking lot, the scanners of the automatic license plate recognition system capture the license plate and store a digital time stamp. This eliminates the need for barriers, floor sensors, tickets or parking disks during parking. When exiting, the parking time is automatically checked and compared with the permitted conditions. If the permitted parking time is exceeded, a payment request is sent. This automatically reduces unauthorized long-term parking, minimizes administrative costs and optimizes parking space usage.

2. parking space management for more efficiency

Flexible concepts allow parking spaces to be controlled in a targeted manner:

• Flexible time models such as short-term parking solutions prevent long-term parking and third-party use.
• The option for paid parking is available in addition to pure parking space monitoring without payment - for example, you can charge an hourly fee for longer parking periods.
• Renting out unused spaces - outside peak times, for example - creates additional income and relieves parking pressure.

Advantages for all parties involved

Optimized use of parking space creates win-win situations:

• Companies benefit from greater efficiency and capacity utilization, lower parking management costs and satisfied customers.
• Customers can find a free parking space more quickly, which improves the shopping experience.
• Retail stores can reduce traffic searching for parking spaces and thus congestion and emissions.
• Greater security by reducing vandalism, littering and unauthorized night-time stays.
• Well-founded parking lot planning: By recording different vehicle types (such as electric cars), a fact-based decision can be made as to whether the installation of charging points is worthwhile, for example.

So a well thought-out parking strategy pays off for everyone!

Solve parking problems efficiently with Wemolo

The challenges mentioned above also hold enormous potential: intelligent digital management of parking spaces can improve service, shorten waiting times and increase the attractiveness of the location. An efficiently used parking lot transforms a shopping visit into a relaxed experience that not only boosts sales but also strengthens the company's image.

Nevertheless, many companies shy away from introducing digital parking space monitoring - for fear of losing control or high administrative costs. With us, these worries are a thing of the past.

Tailor-made parking solutions for your parking lot

Wemolo offers a holistic solution for the management of parking spaces. Your advantages at a glance:

✔Cost savings and additional revenue through the smart management of previously unused areas

✔ Less parking offenders, more turnover! Optimum use of your parking spaces - without barriers, without tickets, maximum efficiency

✔ 100% proprietary technology for maximum reliability and data protection, all from a single source

✔ Customized services - from analysis to implementation

Digital parking space monitoring for maximum efficiency

Wemolo uses smart technologies to automatically detect when the parking time is exceeded, especially by third-party parkers. Digital parking space monitoring allows third-party parkers to be reliably identified and unauthorized long-term parking to be avoided.

Parking via app: simple, digital & flexible

If your parking spaces are not only monitored but also managed, our Wemolo web app offers your customers a great service: customers can conveniently book and pay for parking spaces. Parking via app thus ensures a stress-free parking experience. 

Automated control & flexible rental models

Digitalization eliminates the manual effort involved in managing parking spaces. Wemolo enables the automatic verification of parking authorizations, the flexible allocation of unused parking spaces and also ensures lower administrative costs thanks to smart processes. Wemolo makes parking space management simple, efficient and profitable.

Conclusion: Efficient parking lot management with Wemolo

With Wemolo, companies can rely on a tailor-made solution. Automated processes, flexible rental models and precise monitoring of your parking spaces provide you with an all-round carefree package. 

Contact us and get to know the advantages of smart parking management without obligation.

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FAQ - Frequently asked questions about parking space use by customers

Why is parking a problem?

More and more cars are putting a strain on our streets, while the available parking spaces remain constantly limited. In addition, the situation is exacerbated by increasing violations of the rules by third-party parkers or unauthorized long-term parking. These violations make it difficult to use parking spaces efficiently and often lead to frustration among retailers and customers alike.

What regulations apply in parking lots?

In parking lots, the operators decide on the applicable conditions of use based on their domiciliary rights. They usually include time limits, charges and security measures, such as parking space surveillance. Additional access controls are also often defined to ensure safe and smooth operation and prevent misuse.

How can you avoid long-term parking?

Long-term parkers are a nuisance for customers and operators. They block valuable parking spaces and make it difficult to find a parking space. Operators can prevent unauthorized long-term parking through clear terms of use, time limits and parking space monitoring. Automatic license plate recognition and penalty notices for third-party parkers ensure efficient control and fair parking space use for all.

Can you park in supermarket parking lots?

Parking in the supermarket parking lot without shopping? Whether parking in the customer parking lot outside of opening hours is permitted depends on the respective operator. In most cases, these spaces are reserved exclusively for customers during business hours. However, rental options make it possible to rent a parking space outside of business hours.

Can you park in a supermarket parking lot on Sundays?

The parking rules at supermarket parking lots vary and depend on the owner's rights. If the parking lot belongs to private property, parking may be prohibited. By default, parking your car in a customer parking lot outside of opening hours is prohibited. Long-term or third-party parking can be penalized. Therefore, please observe the signs displayed on site.

Can you park in supermarket parking lots at night?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions: Is it allowed to park in supermarket parking lots? After closing time? In fact, this is not permitted in most cases. Supermarket chains or private operators can prohibit the use of the parking lot outside of opening hours. Unauthorized parking is detected by parking monitoring systems. Third-party and long-term parkers automatically receive a penalty notice.

How long can you park in a supermarket parking lot?

The permitted parking time in a supermarket parking lot is usually regulated by appropriate signage on the property. As a rule, it is between 60 and 120 minutes to ensure a continuous flow of customers. Compliance with the duration of use is often regulated by a supermarket's parking lot surveillance system.

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