It seems today that even the most far reaching ideas can be turned into profitable businesses. Who would have ever thought that companies would exist whose sole purpose is to make the use of public restrooms a more pleasant experience? There isn’t just one business jumping into what I’m assuming is this very small niche but two. Tooshlights is the first and was created by Los Angeles musician Allen Klevens. The idea came to him when he realized that patrons at the Hollywood Bowl wanted to expedite the process of using crowded public restrooms during intermission. The Tooshlights system works like this, a light is installed above every bathroom stall. When nobody is in the stall and the latch is unlocked then the light is green indicating that it is not occupied. When you enter the stall and close the latch the light turns red indicating that it is occupied. The purpose of the system is to take the guesswork out of deciding which stall to us and eliminates the need to knock on the door or take a look underneath to check for a pair of feet. Each light installation costs between $350 and $500 per stall. According to Klevens, the system also tracks data and can track the flow of people and when they are using the bathroom. This feature is supposed to help increase business for merchandise and concessions. I actually have no idea how this would help at all but Klevens claims this is the case. Three or four installations are underway. The other company catering to those seeking a pleasant public restroom experience is Freshends created by Jill Beck and Ann Rommel. Freshends makes alcohol free wipes that are flushable. Basically, they’re baby wipes for adults. So far the company has about 200 corporate accounts and has been catering to private jet companies and high-end hotels. Personally, I have a hard time believing that either of these ideas are going to take the world by storm especially Tooshlights. What do you guys think, is the business of making the public restroom experience easier and more pleasurable going to be a booming one?
Article By: Jon DaBove
