The retail industry is facing enormous challenges right now, due in no small part to the rise of online shopping. There will always be a place for the traditional store, of course, but it’s important to understand that retailers have their work cut out to encourage footfall and traffic into their stores.
With this in mind, we thought we would discuss some of the smart tactics forward-thinking stores are using to encourage people to pay them a visit. If you are struggling with getting customers through your doors, try some of these ideas out – they might just make the difference you need.
The retail industry is facing enormous challenges right now, due in no small part to the rise of online shopping. There will always be a place for the traditional store, of course, but it’s important to understand that retailers have their work cut out to encourage footfall and traffic into their stores.
With this in mind, we thought we would discuss some of the smart tactics forward-thinking stores are using to encourage people to pay them a visit. If you are struggling with getting customers through your doors, try some of these ideas out – they might just make the difference you need.
pexelsImprove customer service
People like retail stores because there is human interaction – they want to ask your employees questions, rather than stare at a computer screen. However, your staff must be capable, knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly when dealing with customers – anything less and you will lose customers by the bucketload. Improve your service levels by offering first class training, and you can even start testing your employees by signing up to a mystery shopper service.
Improve your displays
Think about how your store looks to the average customer. While more people are starting to shop online, they will be more tempted to visit – and return – to your store if it looks incredible. Think about modernizing your displays and organizing your shelves, so they are attractive. It will help people find what they need in as short a time as possible, too. Jazz up your point of sale or POP displays to have more impact, too. According to Hudson Bearings, bearing caster displays are perfect for retailers, giving you the opportunity to create turntable displays which can wow your customers – as well as showing them a wider range of product.
Don’t be afraid of digital
OK, so the online world has been stealing away your business – but there is no reason to be wary of technology. You should embrace it. Use email and social media to notify customers of in-store promotions. Offer discounts to your followers and regular audience that can only be redeemed if they come into the store in person. You can even explore geolocation technology, to notify your customers of special deals when they are within a certain radius of your store.
Hold events
No matter what you sell, there will always be an event you can put on in-store. Music sellers can host local bands, for example. Bookstores can hold author signing sessions. And even if you are selling less exciting items – if you are a hardware store, for instance – you can still hold interesting workshops where you can teach people how to DIY. Imagination is key, here, of course, but don’t forget to align your events with what your customers want or need.
Be the best
Sales, discounts, and events are great ways to drive new traffic to your store. But the only way to ensure those customers come back is by offering the best levels of expertise. If you can become the authority in your product, people will return for your advice and experience again and again.
