There have been plenty of claims that brick and mortar commerce is dead. The high street isn’t as busy as it used to be – plenty of consumers are taking advantage of free delivery options that mean they can order goods from the comfort of their own home and have them delivered straight to their door in minimal time. But it’s important to remember that this really isn’t the end for the high street. Brick and mortar stores allow customers to try your goods out for themselves, which significantly reduces the amount of returns and exchanges that you have to process down the line. It also provides you with the opportunity to offer supreme customer service, as you will engage with customers on a face to face basis. There really is potential for profit in brick and mortar commerce, you just have to take special steps to ensure that customers are still attracted to you and to get them through your doors! Once they’re actually browsing your stock and spotting things that they like, they’re likely to submit to the convenience of immediacy and generate sales. Here are a few steps that you can take to achieve this.
Set Up in a Convenient Location
The first step, of course, is to set up in a convenient location. If your store is located out in the middle of nowhere, people are likely to seek out closer options or turn to the web. Convenient locations are beneficial in that customers can just pop in on their way to somewhere else, fitting their shopping into their day rather than having their day revolve around their shopping. City centers tend to be ideal. Sure, the rent on your commercial property will be steeper, but this will generally be worth the huge footfall that passes by (and consequently through) your store on a daily basis.
Offer Free Parking
It’s also a good idea to offer free and convenient parking for your customers. Many people will drive and want to simply pull up, pop in, get what they want, and leave without having to walk long distances. If people have to walk a long distance to your store, or if the weather takes a turn for the worse and they don’t want to step out into the rain or cold atmosphere, you are going to lose sales. If your store doesn’t have space to build a car park, consider subsidizing customers’ parking fees while they are spending time in your store. Also try to make sure that parking lot surveillance equipment is in operation, as this will help to protect customer cars and your own car if you park in this space while you are working.
Create Attractive Window Displays
Window displays show customers what you have to offer. So many people will pass by your store everyday. Entice them in! You should collaborate with a professional merchandiser who will be able to come up with something appealing.
These are just a few simple steps that you can take in order to attract potential customers into your store. They should really pay off if you carry them out correctly!
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