There are many benefits to owning a physical store, rather than operating solely online, such as being able to interact with shoppers one-to-one in order to help them find the best products for their needs. However, to make the most of your store, you first need to find ways to attract more customers into the premises. Depending on your location, this can be easier for some businesses than others; for example, shops based out of malls are more likely to get more foot traffic passing by than shops that are tucked away on quieter streets.
Nonetheless, whatever the location of your store, here are five simple tips that you may find helpful for attracting more customers.
Create an appealing window display
In areas that have a lot of passing foot traffic, such as malls and busy pedestrian walkways, an appealing window display is one of the best-selling points you have to entice customers into your store. A good window display should tell a story, and be so visually appealing that potential clients can picture themselves owning your products. Your store windows should always be clean, and the front of your store must be well kept, as this is the first impression of you and your products that a customer has: remember, an aesthetically pleasing store makes for a much more inviting one.
Always appear friendly and approachable
One of the most important aspects of selling to customers is to make them feel as though they are receiving special treatment. Shoppers want to feel as though their custom is valued highly, and that you care about their individual needs, rather than about taking their money from them.
Simple touches such as a welcome mat at the entrance to your store, and greeting customers once they enter your establishment will not only encourage customers to come in, but to spend more time at your store once they are there.
Make your shop as accessible as possible
A store that looks small, dark and cluttered is going to be more off-putting to clients than an open, welcoming looking store. When creating the look of your store, it is a good idea to consult a professional design firm who can steer you in the right direction for creating an appealing and easily navigable shop.
This is especially important for attracting customers who may have more specific needs, such as those with mobility aids or who may have children with them.
Display your products in an appealing manner
It is important to place your products around your store in a way that draws the eye in and will make potential customers want to explore every part of the store in depth. One way to achieve this is to have your most desirable and aesthetically pleasing products placed strategically in the store, creating a pathway from entrance to the back of the store. An attractive product near the entrance to your store will grab the attention of passersby, but if you have to many of your nicest products near the front of the store, customers will be less likely to spend as much of their time browsing your store from top to bottom.
