Sexism is being challenged in almost every facet of today’s society, and equality is being pioneered by all. But public washrooms in many European countries are still coyly separated by gender. And since few of us visit the washrooms of the opposite sex it can be difficult for anyone but premises managers to find out how these facilities compare.
Anecdotal evidence would suggest that items such as fresh flowers, mirrors, tissues and hand creams are more likely to appear in ladies’ washrooms than in the gents’. But today’s men are much more concerned about aesthetics – and their appearance - than they once were. Recent research from Mintel reveals that the US and UK men’s grooming markets are growing steadily, while beauty and personal care launches aimed specifically at men increased globally by 70 per cent over the past six years.