Setting up a brick-and-mortar store can be challenging, especially in times of economic uncertainty, so having a good business strategy is essential. While it is true that eCommerce is gaining momentum there is still room for brick and mortal stores to be successful and grow. Here are some tips to start you on the road to success.
Location is Everything
No matter how good your products or services are, your business is at risk if you do not choose your physical location wisely.
Always look for an area with lots of foot traffic, such as a commercial street or a big shopping center. Look for a spot where plenty of potential customers pass your store every single day.
At the same time, think of the customers you want to attract and set up your store accordingly. For instance, if you want to start a bohemian cafe, then you’ll want to attract young people. Your business will thrive if there’s a college or campus nearby.
On the other hand, you don’t want to open a sports equipment store in a residential area with mostly elderly people.
Also, when you have the option of taking up a commercial space, try to find out why the previous business failed. Was it because there wasn’t enough foot traffic on that street? Understand the reason and avoid making the same pitfall as the previous owner of the property.
A Fresh New Look
Whether you already have a brick-and-mortar store or are just about to launch your business, keep in mind that in many cases it’s the first impression that counts the most. A dimly lit store with a cheap-looking sign up front and peeling paint on the wall says that your business is not doing so well.
Apply a fresh coat of paint and order a sleek sign with aluminum letters for your store, change your window display, and give the interior a fresh look as well. Don’t forget the roof of your store. You don’t want any leaks that could ruin your merchandise, so contact a professional roofer like this commercial roofing companies.
When refurbishing your store, try to make your business place stand out a bit too. Choose a bold color scheme to attract attention, for example.
Don’t Ignore Mobile Marketing
When you finally open your new store, don’t just sit there waiting for customers to drop by. Some people will come, no doubt, but you cannot wait for the word to spread out about your wonderful products. Start to spread the word yourself!
You can always give out old-fashioned flyers down the street. Alternatively, put up a tempting sale sign in the front window.
Mobile marketing is essential too. Try using geofencing, a location-based marketing technique that sends out text messages to customers in your area. This allows you to send special offers like discount coupons to all the people approaching your store. If it sounds a bit pushy to you, consider the fact that a competitor might be using a geo-conquesting strategy too.
Offer a Unique Shopping Experience
Modern technology has its merits, but nothing beats human interaction. Therefore, it is essential to offer your customers a great shopping experience. Your products won’t sell themselves; it’s the personnel that does that. Have a good look before selecting your staff, who will be on the floor with shoppers.
A good resume is always important, but most of all you want nice people in your store. A young person with little experience might be more enthusiastic about their new job than an employee who has been in the industry for 10 years and is bored with their job. A shopper will sense when your staff is not genuine.
Consider offering complementary products to your customers too. Make sure you have a strong Wi-Fi connection, as well, if you want people to spend some time in your retail store.
Final Words on Having a Successful Store
The success of your physical store depends on the way you present yourself to potential customers. You will need to invest a bit, but it will pay off as sales increase over time. Business success awaits you.
