Last Updated on February 13, 2024 by Nasir Hanif
There are around 2,989,932 retail establishments in the U.S, which means store owners must find innovative ways to attract customers. Although eCommerce is booming, many clients prefer visiting a brick-and-mortar store where they can browse products and get lost in the shopping experience. Perhaps you’ve seen a dip in foot traffic, and you want to figure out how to get more customers. Sounds like you? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. Here is everything you need to know.
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Buy Online, Pick Up at the Store
A great way for retail businesses to attract customers is by encouraging customers to buy online but pick up their purchases from your store.
This lets you stand apart from e-commerce sites because customers can directly speak to someone if they’ve ordered the wrong size or have a query. Further, it increases the chance of the customer spotting a product they would’ve overlooked online.
To make this scheme successful, offer customers 10% off their purchase if they pick up in-store. Not only will clients love the savings, but it means your team can make a personal connection with each customer.
Host Events
Every successful business hosts events at its brick-and-mortar store. Remember that shopping is not just about making a purchase; it is also about the overall experience. Ensure that you provide your clients with an enjoyable and memorable shopping experience.
Apple, for example, invites experts to conduct workshops on photography and other technology-related topics as it increases its connection with customers. So if you sell vintage clothes, then host a fashion show and invite your local community to take part.
Not only does this get people talking, but it shows you care about your clients and want to show your appreciation.
Make an Eye-Catching Window Display
Retail companies understand the importance of curating the ultimate window display to generate a buzz about their store. When done correctly, you can pique a prospect’s interest and encourage them to take a browse.
If you’re unsure how to do this, hire an experienced window display designer who knows how to convey your brand identity visually.
Keep Your Best Products Out Front
The key to attracting customers is keeping your best merchandise nearest the store’s entrance. Or, if you’re not sure which that is, rotate your best items regularly to increase the chance of a sale.
You should also feature your best-selling items in the window display to capture your prospect’s attention.
Match Online Prices
The problem that many small business faces are competitive prices. Around 65% of consumers check for price comparisons while they’re shopping in a store, which means you must offer prospects a deal they can’t refuse.
Although it’s impossible to offer Amazon prices, you could offer a free warranty or a 30-day money-back guarantee as it shows you provide more value than the e-commerce giant.
Boost Curb Appeal
There’s no greater way to say “we’re open for business” than with excellent curb appeal. Whether you’re in the center of the city or tucked away in a narrow street, take pride in your storefront, and shoppers will flock to you.
For instance, regularly wash the windows and repaint the walls if they’re peeling or looking drab. You can also stand out by hanging planters of vibrant flowers so customers know you’re passionate about your store.
And you mustn’t forget your store’s interior design. Make sure it’s sleek and reflects your brand, whether it mirrors your style or features your brand’s colors in the furniture. Further, get the right lighting so customers are comfortable browsing your products.
Offer Excellent Customer Service
Once you get shoppers in your store, shower them with superb customer service. If you have a team, then make sure they greet clients, smile, and know-how to close a sale.
When you do this, clients are more likely to recommend your store and become repeat customers.
Display QR Codes for After Hours
A staggering 46% of small businesses don’t have a site, which means they miss out once they close for the day.
Instead of missing out on customers, display a QR code that leads prospects to your store’s website. Make sure it’s stuck on your front window display so you can reap the benefits.
Leverage Social Media
Every retailer needs to build its online presence so customers can reach them.
Once you’ve created a site, sign up for multiple social media accounts where you can post valuable content and engage your customers. This is especially useful if you want to promote your in-store events and your latest product launch, as it’s a free service.
Consider Influencer Marketing
If you have the budget, consider influencer marketing as it’s often more effective than traditional methods. Find a key figure in your industry and strike a deal so they can recommend your brand to their audience.
Not only will it raise awareness of your products, but it will drive website traffic and, ultimately, generate sales.
Try Email Marketing
Email marketing is one of the most effective marketing strategies as it lets you directly connect with customers with minimal cost. You can collect emails by offering discounts to subscribers, both online and off.
Once you’ve compiled a subscriber list, you can keep prospects updated about your brand so your store stays at the forefront of their mind.
Create Referral Programs
A referral program is a marketing tool that encourages existing customers to refer new customers to your business. Creating a referral program is an effective way to get more customers in your retail store. When done correctly, referral programs can provide you with new customers who are likely to become loyal shoppers. Here are some steps to create a referral program for your retail store:
- Define the program’s goals: Before you start, it’s important to define what you hope to achieve with your referral program. This could be increasing sales, expanding your customer base, or both.
- Choose a reward system: Decide on the reward system you will offer to customers who refer others to your store. This could be a discount, a gift card, or a special promotion.
- Promote the program: Make sure that your existing customers are aware of the referral program by promoting it through email, social media, in-store displays, and other channels.
- Make it easy to refer: Make it as simple as possible for customers to refer their friends and family to your store. Consider providing referral cards or a referral code that customers can share with their network.
- Track results: Keep track of the referrals you receive and the customers who have joined your store due to the referral program. This will help you measure the success of the program and make any necessary adjustments.
- Thank your customers: Make sure to thank customers who have referred others to your store. This could be through a personal message, a special promotion, or a dedicated thank-you event.
- Continuously improve: Regularly review and update your referral program to ensure it’s achieving your goals and meeting your customers’ needs. Consider offering new rewards or changing the referral process as needed.
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