In March 2020, entertainment venues temporarily halted operations to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 through the United States. As consumers became accustomed to social distancing protocols and confidence increased to return to live gatherings and events, venues were working on their plans to reopen.
During this time of transition, we worked with a customer to create a new product that accomplished two goals: assure venue guests they could safely enjoy their experience and ease the adoption of new COVID procedures for venue staff.
CHALLENGE — A Reassuring Theater Seat Sticker for Wide Use
Our customer wanted to give their guests confidence that their experience in the theater was safe through a sticker that staff could apply to seats after cleaning. This sticker would communicate to guests that the environment had been cleaned and sanitized before their show. The stickers’ configuration needed to be adaptable since our customer would use them universally across all seating types in multiple theaters.
We also needed to consider how the theater staff would apply the stickers. The stickers would need to be easy and quick to apply since team members would only have a short window of time between showings to clean and prepare the next wave of guests’ seating area. It was also important that the sticker adhesive could securely adhere to the seat yet be easily removed without leaving residue behind.
SOLUTION — Universal Stickers for Sanitized Theater Seats
We got to work formulating a universal sticker that would adhere to various seat surfaces — plastic, wood and upholstery — without leaving residue behind. We tested multiple adhesives in our facility and provided samples to the customer so the venues could test them in the field.
Once we landed on the right removable adhesive and design for the sticker, our team created a packaging approach and application process that would be simple for theater staff to use. Using a unique die-cut method, we produced the stickers in continuous paper bands packaged on convenient rolls. This continuous paper band made it efficient for the staff to quickly attach the stickers to the seats between showings. The roll design also allowed for smooth handling, shipping and storage of the stickers.
RESULT — Simple Implementation of an Important Message
With our customers’ new seat stickers, these theaters could assure their guests that their health and safety were top of mind. The stickers’ roll design has created an easy and quick solution to adhering them to seats, saving team members time as they complete the sanitation process. Since our initial creation, our customer has ordered additional rolls of stickers, providing assurance of a safe and comfortable environment for guests as they make their way back to venues.