The Cloakroom – The Last Institution of Cash

And what this means for your customers

It's 2025, and Germany is rapidly moving towards a cashless society. According to a study by the Bundesbank, more and more people prefer cashless payment methods like cards or smartphones. Particularly interesting: Among 16 to 29-year-olds, 58% already prefer card payments, and the share of cash transactions has decreased by 7 percentage points since 2021.

However, in this transformation, there is one institution that has remained almost unchanged: the cloakroom. While food trucks, parking meters, and small shops have long accepted digital payments, the cloakroom often remains focused on cash. Why that's not just old-fashioned but also problematic will be explained here.

Why cash at the cloakroom is no longer contemporary

• Young guests expect digital solutions: 58% of 16 to 29-year-olds prefer cashless payments.

• International guests are often excluded: In many countries like Sweden or the Netherlands, cash is hardly in use anymore.

• Cash hinders digitization: A cash-based cloakroom does not fit with a modern event experience featuring digital tickets and contactless payments.

• The cloakroom as an opportunity for innovation: Modern solutions improve the guest experience, increase efficiency, and enhance the image of your event.

• The trend is moving towards cashless: Major organizers like the Olympiahalle Munich or the Nuremberg Fair are already relying on cashless processes to be more efficient and modern.

1. The cloakroom as a barrier for young guests

Young people carry less and less cash with them. If the cloakroom only accepts cash, it creates unnecessary hurdles – especially for a target group that has high expectations for digital solutions. For many, cash at the cloakroom feels like a step backward.

But at the cloakroom, it is said: “Cash only.” This leads to frustration and leaves a poor impression.

2. A problem for international guests

For international visitors, cash is often even more problematic. Many guests from countries like Sweden, the Netherlands, or the UK almost exclusively pay with card or smartphone. They often carry no cash at all and are surprised when they suddenly need it at the cloakroom of a modern event in Germany.

The result? Embarrassing situations where guests have to improvise to leave their jackets – or they simply keep their belongings with them, which diminishes their comfort and the event experience.

3. A missed opportunity for innovation

The cloakroom is the first and last contact point of your guests. Right here, the use of modern technologies could make a statement: “This event is innovative and forward-looking.” Instead, the cloakroom often appears as a relic from another time.

However, with digital solutions, you can not only create a modern image but also exceed your guests' expectations – especially for a young and international audience that values innovation.

4. How cash hinders the digitization of your event

Cash at the cloakroom not only seems outdated but also hinders the seamless digitization of your event. If you use digital tickets, apps, or cashless payment methods, the cloakroom is often the only exception. This appears inconsistent and does not fit with a modern overall experience.

An example: Many event organizers today rely on digital tickets and contactless payment methods for food and drinks. If the cloakroom does not keep up, it reflects negatively – breaking the digital experience for your guests.

5. A wake-up call for organizers

The numbers speak a clear language: Cash is losing significance, and guests expect digital alternatives – especially among young and international target groups. The cloakroom, often treated as a minor detail, presents the opportunity to enhance the guest experience with a modern digital solution.

Conclusion: The cloakroom must keep up with the times

It's time to leave cash behind at the cloakroom. A modern cloakroom means not only less frustration for your guests but also a forward-looking image for your event. With solutions like Itemdrop, you can easily implement this change – and show that you are in tune with the times.

The next step towards a cashless event

Do you want to design your event modern and efficiently? With a cashless cloakroom, you create not only a better experience for your guests but also save time and effort in organizing.

Learn more and download our free PDF on how to go cashless at the cloakroom.