Three Ways to Boost
Foot Traffic to Your Retail Store
It’s true that shopping online is popular, but don’t think that means the retail store is dead. Many shoppers want to be able to see what they’re purchasing in person before they buy, and the only way to do that is to stop into a brick and mortar store.
In addition, many shoppers aren’t just looking to buy items—they’re looking for an experience. They want to leave your store with something new, but they also want to leave with unique memories, that if positive, will encourage them to come back and shop in your store again.
The trouble is, figuring out how to get more customers isn’t easy. You rely on locals and those visiting the area, unlike virtual stores that can receive traffic from all over the world.
You can use the fact that shoppers are looking for an experience to your advantage. Here are three ways to encourage customers to come into your store for a closer look.
Show your customers some special treatment
Everyone likes to feel special. If you want more people to shop in your store, you have to make them feel special the second they step foot inside your door.
That might mean rolling out the red carpet, literally. Laying a red or gold carpet that rolls outside your front door can show customers that they will receive great service once inside.
Traditional methods can be helpful too. Having an associate and outside and hand out samples, if you sell food-related items, can be a great way to draw people inside. If you offer a luxury shopping experience or offer high-end items inside your store, have an associate pass out small glasses of champagne when people walk through the door. Whatever you can do to make your customers feel special, especially if they can see they will be treated differently the moment they walk into your store, is a great way to boost foot traffic.
Host a sale or special event
Small business marketing often includes sales, and it’s easy to see why. People may enjoy feeling like they’re special, but even more than that, they like to feel like they’re getting a good deal!
There are many different sales you can host. You can host a clearance event before the next season’s items arrive, you can reduce prices with a percentage off certain items, or you can host a bogo event.
Just make sure you advertise the sale, so people outside know exactly what to expect when they get inside. Display banner flags, as well as pop-up A frames, can be great ways to advertise a sale outside your store.
It isn’t just sales that can pull people inside. Consider hosting a special event! From taste testing events to holiday-inspired parties, people will look forward to stopping by your store if they know they’re in for a good time!
Decorate
If you do nothing else on this list, at least make sure you decorate your store. Choosing the right decorative elements can entice people to come inside for a closer look.
That might mean painting the exterior or interior of your building, displaying items in the windows in a unique way, or decorating with flowers and plants. The sky is the limit when it comes to decorating your shop, but one of the easiest ways to add a little color to your store’s interior and exterior is by using flags.
Just a few ideas include:
- Point of sale flags can be affixed to the wall, making them a great choice for shops that want to advertise to foot traffic on a sidewalk.
- Street flags can be permanently placed outside your store and modified throughout the year to promote sales, events, and more.
- Custom flag bunting can be hung from above to create a fun and festive atmosphere inside or outside your store.
If you’re looking for small business ideas that will get people to come into your store, look no further than the ideas on this list! Choose the ideas that are right for your business and you’ll surely enjoy more business as more customers come through your doors.