The goal of every physical, brick-and-mortar store is to draw in customers. If your store looks shabby from the outside, however, chances are you are losing customers and business as we speak. This goes doubly true if you’re in a small town area, or are operating your business out of a former residential property (which is common for artists).
The good news is that there are so many easy ways you can transform your store’s exterior today. Some tips are perfect for property owners (like those artist-owned residential galleries or shops) as they help you bring in more customers and boost your property value. Others are easy, simple updates that can make any store shine:
Spruce Up the Foundations
The first step is to always clean up and improve the physical foundations (walls, roof, doors, and windows). If you own the property, then fully invest in it. If the roof looks tired, the shingles are cracked or missing, then it’s time to get in touch with expert roofing contractors. They can either repair or replace your roof and make it look brand new. The bonus? You don’t have to worry about water damage or even the potential of your roof collapsing.
Other ways you can spruce up your foundations include:
- Sand down any cracked paint, fill in the gaps, and repaint the trimmings.
- Replace old, outdated, and inefficient windows.
- Repaint or restain your store’s door, trim, or exterior.
- Deep clean your exterior and remove rust, dirt, and unwanted vegetation.
Hire a Window Artist
One of the easiest ways to really draw in customers and boost their relationship with you is through art. Boutiques, hairdressers, even grocers or general stores can all benefit from hiring a window artist to add murals to your windows.
You can use this art to both advertise your store and any top deals. Just note there may be a limit on how much space these ads can take up, like this one store that almost lost its murals for using more than 25% of its windows “for advertising”.
Install Plants
Plants are another excellent way to make your property more inviting and draw people in, regardless of whether you actually own the building your store is in, or not. If your store is on a street with no dirt, get planters. Even something small that fits into your windowsill, or a hanging basket that you put up next to your door, will immediately draw the eye. People love flowers, so use them to draw their attention to your store and make it feel more welcoming and inviting.
Showcase Your Store Outside
There are a few different ways you can showcase what you offer outside in ways that bring people in. If you are a boutique, put a small clothes rail outside with some sale pieces. If you are a restaurant, make sure that you have a stand and a menu outside. From putting a small selection of your products out front, to using welcoming signs that showcase your brand’s personality (like an ice cream store that uses puns, for example) are all ways you can catch customers’ eye on the street, and draw them into your establishment. Just don’t clutter up the street and make it impossible for people to pass through! A little is more than enough to boost business.
