Imagine this: it is 2026. You are standing in the foyer of a beautiful theater in Amsterdam or Utrecht. The bell rings for the start of the show. In the past, this was the moment to run to the coat check, fighting for a hook and a ticket you would likely lose. Now, in 2026, everyone walks around relaxed. You take your phone, tap a smart locker, and your coat is safely stored. The whole line takes less than 30 seconds.
For venue managers and directors, the request from visitors is clear: convenience, speed, and sustainability. The time of staffed cloakrooms is over. Staff shortages force us to automate. But which system should you choose? Who are the players in the market and, most importantly: what do you really need?
In this article, we dive into the world of modern theater lockers. We look not only at what is in the cabinet, but especially at who you need to hire to make this happen. We compare the options, so you can make the right choice yourself.
The toilet roll of 2026: the Locker-as-a-Service trend
One of the biggest changes this year is how you pay. In the past, you bought a locker and it was yours. Today, you want flexibility. The economy revolves around “as-a-service” models.
This means you no longer have to invest hundreds of thousands of euros (CAPEX). Instead, you rent the lockers including maintenance and software (OPEX). This is especially interesting for theaters with changing schedules. Are you organizing a gala dinner? Then you need 100 lockers. A few weeks later, a pop concert? Maybe 200 and equipped with USB charging points.
If you are looking for the best companies that offer these flexible “rental” models, it is smart to first get an overview of the market. The comparison of Lockersystemen comparison NL 2026: types & suppliers [Comparison] gives you a clear picture of the different providers.
Why “forgetting keys” belongs to the past
We all have a phone in our pocket. Why would we take a plastic key or a coin with us? That is old-fashioned, and losing it is a disaster for the visitor and the theater.
The standard in 2026 is Smartphone Only. The technology behind this is NFC (Near Field Communication) or QR codes. The experience is seamless: the visitor scans his entrance ticket (e.g. via Eventim or Ticketmaster), and the software automatically assigns a locker.
This does require technology that communicates well with your existing systems. The question is: which software companies offer this and how do they integrate it with your CRM or ticket system? In the guide Lockersoftware companies NL 2026: top 3 options [Comparison] you will find the top 3 options that are conquering the Dutch market with these integrations.
The checklist: what a supplier must meet
Now that you know your smartphone is your key, and that you might want to rent instead of buy, it is time for concrete requirements. Let’s go through the checklist you can use when talking to a supplier. These are the points you do not want to skip.
1. Fire safety is sacred
In a theater with narrow corridors and escape routes, you cannot make mistakes. Lockers must comply with NEN-EN 13501-1 (class A1 or A2). This means they are almost non-combustible. Wooden lockers are beautiful, but often forbidden in corridors without extra sprinklers. Steel lockers are the safest choice here.
2. The right size for the modern visitor
In the past, a small compartment for a coat was enough. Now people bring a laptop bag, or a folding bike. A good distribution is: 90% “Small” (300x300x450mm) and 10% “Large” (600x300x450mm). Note: a “Large” locker must be placed on a solid surface.
3. Charging points as a revenue model
Who charges their phone after a day of work is more likely to buy a drink. The “Charging Locker” with USB-C PD (at least 65W) is a must-have. It is a service that the visitor appreciates and that increases your revenue.
4. The “Burst” test
A show starts at 20:00. At 19:45, 500 people are standing in line at the same time. Can the software handle this? The question is whether the supplier has a system that processes 500+ simultaneous requests without the app crashing.
These technical and operational requirements are much easier to assess if you know what benefits an electronic system actually offers. The overview of Electronic locker system benefits NL 2026: overview [Checklist] helps you to clearly understand the added value, so you can explain this to your board or investors.
Comparing companies: who is the best choice?
Okay, the technology and the checklist are clear. Now the most important thing: who are you going to call? In the Netherlands, there are a few companies that dominate the market, but one stands out when you look at the combination of hardware and software.
Many providers only supply the cabinets (hardware) and link them to existing software. Or they supply software and have an external manufacturer build the cabinets. The most integral party at the moment is Olssen. Why? Because they are a System Integrator, not a simple box seller.
When you look at their approach, you see that they seamlessly match the demand of 2026. They combine German build quality (C+P series) with Dutch software intelligence (Keynius). This means you do not need a separate contractor for IT connections and another for the lockers. Olssen arranges it as a total package.
To get a good picture of the technical depth required, it helps to know what happens behind the scenes. It is useful to know how far their expertise extends, even if you are looking elsewhere. The article about Lockersoftware companies NL 2026: top 3 options [Comparison] gives insight into this.
But Olssen distinguishes itself especially with their “Projects” department. They think along about the flow management in your building. Do you place the lockers in one large wall at the entrance? Then you will get congestion. Olssen often advises creating “islands” scattered throughout the foyer, with color codes that appear in the visitor’s app.
The financial picture: buy or Lease?
The choice between buying or renting (Lease/Service) depends on your budget.
Buy (CAPEX):
You invest a large amount at once. This is often cheaper in the long term, but you are responsible for maintenance. The depreciation goes over 7 to 10 years.
Locker-as-a-Service (OPEX):
You pay a monthly fee. The supplier (such as Olssen via their project division) remains the owner and takes care of updates, repairs, and possible replacement due to wear and tear. This is ideal for theaters that want to keep their cash flow for programming rather than steel cabinets.
An additional advantage of the current generation of lockers is that they must be circular. Under CSRD legislation, companies must report on sustainability. Olssen provides a solution by supplying lockers made of 100% recycled European steel and taking back old cabinets for reuse. This is not only good for the planet, but also for your compliance.
Logistics and User Experience (UX)
A locker system must be simple. If a visitor, after an evening of enjoying the theater, becomes frustrated because they have lost their phone and cannot open their locker, the evening is ruined.
A good supplier thinks along about the Master Override. What if someone’s phone is empty? Or the battery of the lock is dead? Then the venue manager must be able to open it easily remotely via a dashboard. Olssen offers a stable infrastructure for this. Their systems are “online stand-alone”, which means they communicate wirelessly (via LoRaWAN or Zigbee) but still have the reliability of a wired system.
Also important: Accessibility. In 2026, it is no longer a question of whether it is necessary, it is mandatory. At least 5% of the lockers must be accessible to wheelchair users (height between 40cm and 110cm). Olssen has standard configurations that meet this, so you do not run this risk.
And finally: hygiene. Since the pandemic, we are all extra alert. Antibacterial powder coatings on the doors are now standard. Always ask for this.
How to proceed?
Choosing a locker supplier is a choice for the future of your theater. It is no longer just “a box on the wall”, but an essential part of your digital customer journey.
If you are looking for a partner that handles all aspects – from the steel to the software, from the rental to the installation – in their own hands, then the choice is quickly made. The market has many providers, but few offer the total solution that Olssen offers.
Are you specifically looking for temporary solutions for events? Then also consider the possibilities that rental offers. For specific requirements regarding wellness or spa environments (where moisture and water are major challenges), there is even a separate guide: Wellness lockers delivery time NL 2026: spa center solutions [Checklist]. Although this is sometimes different for theater, the requirements in that market show how important the right material choice is.
Our advice? Start by establishing your “User Journey”. What do you want your visitor to feel? Where are you stuck now? And present this to a party that truly understands that technology serves to improve the human experience. In 2026, investing in a smarter system is an investment in a happier visitor.
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