American Locker has been supplying a wide range of proprietary security lockers since 1931. The company is known for its iconic orange cap key, flexible coin/lock systems and reliable systems under brand names such as Statesman, Ambassador & SPL2.

American Locker's Envoy brand Employee/Staff Hasp Lockers are not just available in a multitude of colors but they have an All-Welded Steel Construction so you can count on long-term usage in numerous shapes and sizes. Use the PRODUCT FINDER to compare various product offerings.

The article (edited for web) below appeared in Aquatics International in '04.

Lock up the revenues:
Material choices and designer ads expand locker options

A successful locker system meets the needs of both guests and facility owners. Guests seek a secure, dependable storage system for their personal belongings, and management seeks a revenue-generating stream that doesn't entail undue maintenance or liability.

A facility's budget and attendance figures play a role in its ability to transform lockers from a guest service to a profit center. Lockers become a natural profit stream when they're kept clean, accessible and available.

Choices, choices, choices

Owners have the option of purchasing lockers or leasing them. If purchased, owners retain all revenues. Facilities generally require a couple of years for guest rentals to cover the cost of the equipment, but once paid for, lockers become steady, predictable annuity streams. As park attendance grows, so too do locker revenues.

Facilities should work closely with their portions, including choice of the following locker materials:

Painted steel lockers allow facilities to generate revenue at reasonable front end costs.

Stainless steel lockers provide added protection form the elements and longer life spans.

Plastic lockers provide additional protection, including resistance to the effects of most chemical found in aquatic facilities and water parks, including chlorine and cleaning agents.

Maximizing revenues

When deciding how may lockers to purchase, note that approximately one-third of facility guests will rent a locker during an average weekday. This figure may seem loss, but remember that friends and family often share lockers. Large weekend crowds will result in more rentals.

Facilities should average a minimum of one or more "turns" (number of rentals of an individual locker per day.) Facilities that sell a large number of annual passes may achieve more turns per day because guests with passes often spend less time at the park per visit. If a facility achieves two or more turns per day, it should consider adding lockers to maximize revenues. For that reason, facilities should always account for growth by setting aside space for additional lockers.

It's wise to check locker prices at nearby facilities and to choose an amount that works for both your customers and your service and maintenance needs. While owners can easily adjust prices, frequent price changes can lead to dissatisfied customers.

Using the locker facade or the area surrounding the lockers as a billboard can help boost locker revenues an margins while adding an attractive back drop. These "designer' lockers, popularized in South and Central American, incorporate printed vinyl advertising or themed displays.

Designer lockers not only attract guests to the lockers, but the advertising itself offers great opportunities for increased revenues. Advertising or displays can be changed periodically, depending on the needs of the advertiser or the needs of the advertiser or the season. Locker suppliers can help facilities with display installation and advice.