How to Attract More Customers to Your Retail Store

Even in the age of online shopping, brick-and-mortar retail stores are still thriving. To attract customers and get them in the door, however, you must ensure your store is appealing and inviting. Here are a few tips on how to do just that.

Create an Engaging Window Display

Your store’s window display is often the first thing potential customers will see, so it’s important to make a good impression. Even if your shop isn’t well-known or located in a busy area, a store window that’s designed well can still be beneficial. According to research, people purchase 24% of the time based on what they see in the store window.

Here are ways you can make an attractive window display:

Use props that represent your brand: If you sell vintage clothing, for example, fill your window with antique furniture or other items from that era.

Keep it clean and organized: A cluttered window will only reflect poorly on your store. Make sure everything is dusted and in its place.

Change it up often: Change your display at least once a month to keep things fresh. For example, if you’re a clothing store, put out your swimsuits in the spring and your coats in the winter.

Make it interactive: People love to interact with technology, so consider using digital displays or touchscreens.

Capitalize on your niche: To attract the right customers in your store, ensure your window display reflects the merchandise you sell. If you sell men’s clothing, feature tall shirts for men so shoppers know what to expect and can get an idea of what to buy and how to style the clothing.

Be creative: Use bright colors and bold patterns. You can also arrange your merchandise interestingly to attract attention. The goal is to get people curious about what’s inside your store, so they’ll come in to take a look.

Make Your Store Easy to Navigate

Once potential customers are inside your store, you want to ensure they can easily find what they’re looking for. This means having a well-thought-out floor plan and clearly labeled sections. If your store is cluttered or cramped, customers will likely get frustrated and leave without making a purchase.

Create Creative Labels and Signs

In addition to having a well-organized store, you should also have clear and creative labels and signs. This will help customers find what they’re looking for, and it can also be used to draw attention to certain products. For example, if you’re running a sale on summer items, put a sign that says “Sale” in big, bold letters with colors associated with summer. This will catch people’s attention and help them easily find what they’re looking for.

Colors Matter

The colors you use in your store can greatly impact customers. Different colors can evoke different emotions. For example, blue is often associated with trustworthiness and calmness, while yellow is associated with happiness and optimism. The colors you use in your display should be based on your target customer. For example, bright and bold colors are better for attracting younger shoppers, while more subdued colors like gray or beige are better suited for appealing to older customers. Use black, royal blue, or red-orange if you’re trying to sell a product that people typically buy on impulse.

Offer Incentives

One of the best ways to attract customers is by offering incentives for shopping at your store. A study says that 75% of customers prefer companies that offer rewards, and 56% remain loyal to brands they identify with. Furthermore, 65% of a company’s business comes from its existing customer base. If you can increase customer retention by 5%, it will result in a 25%-95% uptick in profits. If you offer something that other stores don’t—or do it better than anyone else—customers will be more likely to choose you over the competition.

Promos and Sales

One great incentive is to run promos and sales. This could be a percentage off certain items, buy one get one free offer, or anything else that will save customers money. You can also offer discounts for signing up for your email list, following you on social media, or spending a certain amount of money in your store.

Loyalty Programs

Another way to attract customers is by offering a loyalty program. This could be anything from giving points for every purchase that can be redeemed for discounts or free merchandise to giving a percentage off for every so many purchase made.

To Summarize

These are just a few ways to attract more customers to your retail store. By taking some time to improve your store’s appearance and offering incentives for shoppers, you’ll be well on your way to increasing foot traffic and boosting sales.