Earlier this year, national Covid restrictions meant non-essential retail outlets had to shutter down. However, more recently, when restrictions eased and high-street footfall increased, many have relished the challenge of enticing the crowds of returning shoppers.
In the retail business, the key to standing out from your competitors is not only providing good quality products at a fair price, but also presenting your wares in an eye-catching manner and making your store a friendly, inviting place where shoppers want to spend time. If you can master this, you’ll be well on your way to a record summer sales season.
With this in mind, we’ve curated a list of 10 of our favourite projects for breathing new life into retail premises. So, if you want to attract new (and returning) customers this summer, read on. Let’s get started, shall we?
Repaint the Staircase
If your customers use a staircase to reach your store, or a certain part of it, consider what impression it is creating in its current state. Regardless of your retail niche, a flaking, peeling or rusting staircase is not particularly inviting and will leave many customers with a negative first impression.
And, in many cases, all that’s required to remedy the issue is a repaint. To prevent future corrosion, we recommend applying a good quality Oxide Primer before you get to work repainting your staircase. This should ensure your staircase retains its looks for longer.
When it comes to choosing a colour, consider which shade would best complement the existing decor of your retail outlet.
Create a Party Atmosphere with Live Music
Inviting an up-and-coming DJ or singer-songwriter to perform a set can lend a fun, lively atmosphere to any retail premises and encourage more footfall. Talented local acts can be booked for a modest fee and may just give your store’s traffic a much needed shot in the arm.
Do your homework here – and when deciding which act to book consider what genre of music would resonate with your target audience. Make the right call, and you may find yourself offering a promising superstar a regular gig!
Turn Heads with a Show-stopping Window Display
The window display is one of the oldest tricks in the shopkeepers’ playbook – and remains one of the most effective to this day. As we approach the height of the summer season, why not deck your windows with summer paraphernalia, such as towels, beach balls and sand buckets to remind your customers of the bright and sunny days ahead?
And, just think, if you put together an especially eye-catching window display, you may also earn extra traction from social media vultures sharing your hard work among their friends and followers.
Replace (or Upcycle) Your Furniture
Tired, worn furniture can really contribute to the perception of a dingy, dated store. Replacing your chairs and sofas with newer, more comfortable models that complement your decor can make the place seem that much more inviting.
If you don’t have the funds to replace your furniture, upcycling can be equally effective. Repainting wooden furniture is an easy way to give it an aesthetic overhaul and investing in a new set of cushions or coverings can make older furniture a little more comfortable. It’s all about creating a space where customers feel relaxed. Consider giving your restrooms a fresh look as well. Upgrading your bathroom partitions for instance, can go a long way.
Create a Social Media Buzz
There are many powerful social media platforms that can be utilised to raise your business’ profile. Ideally, you should have active accounts on at least a few of them. Engage successfully and you should quickly build a following. Your fanbase will be alerted to news of your latest products and offers as and when they arrive.
The best social networks to be a part of will vary depending on your business model, but Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are universally popular.
Offer Free Wi-fi
If you offer your customers a chance to catch up with their social media feeds whilst in your store, they may be encouraged to spend a little more time there! And, if you happen to be lucky enough to welcome a major influencer, they might just share their purchase with all their followers, providing your business with some free publicity.
Create a Kid-friendly Zone
If your customer base comprises a large number of parents, adding a ‘kids’ zone’ to your store may help to take some of the stress out of their shopping experience! You don’t necessarily need to break the bank here. Invest in a collection of toys, books, activities and play equipment to keep kids entertained while the parents shop and browse!
Make Your Store Pet-friendly
Welcoming visitors of the four-legged variety could make all the difference when it comes to attracting footfall. Advertise your store as ‘pet-friendly’ and roll out the red carpet for man’s best friend with complimentary treats and water bowls.
Refreshments, Anyone?
During the warm summer weather, the prospect of a complimentary cold drink or ice-cream is sure to win customers round. It’s a small gesture, but a great way to attract more customers – and keep them happy while they browse your store.
Add to the Fun Factor with Balloons
Balloons can be used to add movement to your storefront and draw the eye of anyone who’s passing by. A colourful, well-arranged balloon display can make all the difference when it comes to enticing shoppers into your store.
You can tie balloons to exterior railings, or failing that, cinder blocks. Just be sure that you have a good supply of balloons to hand, as they tend to deflate quickly, particularly during the summer months.
Thanks for Reading and Best of Luck!
We hope you found our article helpful and now have lots of ideas for how to boost traffic at your store this season and beyond! No matter what you ultimately decide, we wish you the best of luck with your store makeover and your summer sale.
