Physical stores have long been a staple of the shopping experience. Despite the rise of online retail, physical stores remain an essential part of the shopping landscape, accounting for around 90% of total retail sales. However, as competition in the retail space has become more fierce in recent years, it is increasingly crucial for physical stores to attract and retain customers.
A critical factor in customer attraction is providing a positive customer experience. This can mean ensuring that employees are friendly and attentive, stocking shelves are well-stocked and organized, having knowledgeable staff on hand to answer questions and provide advice, and providing a pleasant environment overall. Studies have shown that shoppers’ satisfaction with their individual store experiences is one of the most potent factors influencing loyalty. Research from Oracle Retail found that 83% of shoppers said a positive customer experience would influence them to become repeat customers.
However, a positive customer experience alone will not be enough to keep shoppers returning. Here are a few additional strategies that stores can employ to attract customers:
Business Signage
Business signages are a vital component of marketing and branding strategies for physical stores, as they provide visibility to potential customers and reinforce the store’s brand. Not only do signages draw attention to the store, but they can also serve as a practical guide for visitors, helping them find their way around the store and its offerings. Additionally, strategically placed signage can help create an inviting atmosphere for shoppers, increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty. Here are a few signages to consider:
Wayfinding Signage
Wayfinding signage is designed to help shoppers quickly get oriented in the store and locate desired areas or items. This type of signage includes arrows and directionals that point shoppers in the right direction and signs that indicate product categories or departments. Wayfinding signages should be simple yet eye-catching, clearly stating messages with appropriate visuals so customers don’t get lost while navigating the store.
Product Displays
Product displays are a great way to attract customers’ attention and encourage them to purchase specific items. This signage can highlight new products or special deals on existing ones. Some stores may opt for large posters showcasing featured merchandise, while others may choose more minor signs near individual products. Product displays should be easily visible throughout the store but not intrusive-the goal is to inform customers about what’s available without overwhelming them with information.
Branding Signage
Branding signages are essential for communicating your store’s identity and values to shoppers. These could include logos, slogans, images, or other visuals used throughout the store to build a cohesive brand image and create a positive customer atmosphere. For example, a clothing retailer might use photos of models wearing its items around the shop to make it look more appealing and desirable for shoppers.
LED Signage
An LED sign is a great way to communicate with customers in an eye-catching and effective manner. This signage can be used to advertise specials or promotions, showcase featured products, or add a touch of color to the store. LED signage should be placed in prominent locations to be easily visible from across the store and should be changed regularly to keep shoppers engaged.
Social Media Marketing
Nobody can deny that physical stores can no longer ignore the power of social media. From Facebook and Instagram to Twitter, stores must ensure their presence on these platforms is solid and engaging. This means curating attractive content, responding swiftly to customer inquiries, and using targeted ads. Social media is a great way for stores to increase brand awareness and reach new customers.
If you want to create a massive presence on social media, you should also consider influencer marketing. Influencers are people with large and active audiences who can help spread the word about your store’s products or services. This strategy can be very effective in building a solid customer base for physical stores.
Convenient Payment Options
Convenient payment options are essential for stores to attract customers. Consumers want to be able to quickly and easily pay for their purchases, and the payment process should not be a source of frustration. To ensure customers have the best possible experience, stores must offer multiple payment options that cater to different needs and preferences.
Credit and debit cards are the most commonly used form of payment in retail stores. However, other digital payment methods, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, or Venmo, are becoming increasingly popular among shoppers. Offering these digital payments can help make checkout more convenient for customers by eliminating the need to type in card details or carry around physical cards.
Contactless payments are becoming increasingly popular as they help speed up checkout. Contactless transactions in Europe accounted for over 80% of total card purchases. Stores that offer this type of payment option are providing added convenience and helping reduce customer uncertainty around safety at checkout due to Covid-19.
Final Thoughts
Physical stores can no longer rely solely on traditional marketing tactics to attract customers. As competition in the retail industry intensifies, stores must adopt new strategies to stand out and ensure a positive customer experience. The process outlined above-business signage, social media marketing, and convenient payment options-are ways physical stores can draw more customers and increase loyalty. Any store can become an attractive destination for shoppers with creativity and effort.
Ayesha completed her Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry and started her career as a College Lecturer in 2013. Today, she’s a happy mom of 2 Kids in the field of digital marketing. She loves reading books, spending time with her family, and making delicious food for her husband.
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