How to Increase Foot Traffic to a Retail Store
Online shopping gets the headlines, but a physical store still depends on people walking through the door. Many of those people are already nearby: driving past, shopping at the store next door, or searching on their phone for something close by.
The ideas below are grouped by where shoppers are when you reach them: on the road, online, at your door and in the neighborhood.
On the road: get noticed
1. Look at your store from the street
Drive past from both directions. Can you see your sign in time to turn? Is it clear where the entrance and parking are? Fix whatever made you hesitate.
2. Make your sign readable
Clean it, repair burned-out lights, and trim anything blocking it. If you share a pylon sign in a shopping center, make sure your panel is current and readable.
3. Add height and color at the entrance
On a busy road, a flat sign blends in. A balloon display, flags or a banner at the entrance gives drivers something to notice from a distance and tells them the store is open. Check your city’s sign rules and your lease first. (See Curb Appeal That Gets Noticed and Stays Within Your City’s Sign Rules.)
4. Put the offer where drivers can see it
“Sale” is easy to ignore. “40% off patio furniture this weekend” gives people a reason to turn in today. Change the message often so regular commuters notice.
Online: get found nearby
5. Keep your Google Business Profile current
Many shoppers search for stores “near me.” Make sure your hours, phone number, photos and holiday hours are correct, and post updates about sales and new products.
6. Ask for reviews
Ask happy customers at checkout or in a follow-up email. Respond to every review, good or bad.
7. Show what’s in the store
Post photos of new arrivals, displays and events on social media and your profile. People visit stores when they know what they’ll find.
At the door: make it inviting
8. Use your windows
Change window displays often, keep them lit at night, and feature what’s new or on sale.
9. Use a sidewalk sign
A sandwich board with a short, changing message catches people walking by. Check whether your city or landlord allows them.
10. Keep the entrance clean and open
Swept walkway, clean glass, no clutter at the door. An entrance that looks closed or messy turns people away.
In the neighborhood: give people a reason to come
11. Hold in-store events
Product demos, classes, trunk shows, customer appreciation days and holiday open houses give people a reason to visit beyond a purchase.
12. Team up with nearby businesses
Cross-promote with a coffee shop, gym or restaurant next door. Shared events, coupons and window cards bring each other’s customers in.
13. Plan around local events
Festivals, school events and sports seasons bring crowds. Offer specials or set up a table where people already gather.
14. Start a simple loyalty program
A punch card or a phone-number program gives regular customers a reason to come back.
15. Go big on opening and anniversary days
A grand opening or store anniversary is a reason to celebrate in public.
Measure what works
Track how new customers heard about you. A quick “How did you find us?” at checkout, a code on each promotion and a count of daily visitors are enough to see which ideas are worth repeating.
The bottom line
More foot traffic starts with being easy to notice, find and visit. Make the store stand out from the road, keep your online details current, make the entrance inviting and give people regular reasons to stop by.
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