Research has found that over time, people slowly begin to tune out things that haven’t changed for a long time. That’s why one of the most basic business strategies for retail is to make regular changes to the store’s appearance. These frequent adjustments create a new perspective for passing motorists and pedestrians, drawing their attention to something they might have begun to ignore. To take advantage of that, think about these four ways to update the look of your storefront.
Rotate Displays
If you have the advantage of a large display window on the front of your store, never let it get stale. Changing seasons always trigger updates for clothing retailers, but other businesses should do likewise. Again, your goal is to break through that layer of familiarity and get people to take notice of your business again.
You can accomplish that by rotating a new set of products into the window, or you can even get a little boost simply by rearranging the things that are already there. Even just a different lighting scheme can provide an updated look that catches people’s attention. Never fail to take advantage of seasonal elements. Santa standing in a little cotton “snow”, some straw bales and pumpkins, or a little red, white, and blue bunting around your displays will spruce up the look with very little expense and time.
Remember the Approach
Traditional Main Street storefronts are accessed directly from public streets or sidewalks, but most retail locations are set up along parking lots these days. Never neglect these important areas! They are more than just a place for customers and employees to keep their cars.
In addition to providing convenient access to your business, the parking lot also represents your business. A run-down, rough parking lot doesn’t put your business in a positive light the way that a clean, well-maintained space does. In addition to the blacktop sealant, remember to check on your parking lot paint, it may be time for a touch-up. Consider professionals for parking lot striping in Fort Worth, TX, or wherever you’re located. Fresh, bright paint does more than separate cars. It can also designate special customer parking, traffic flow, and other features that give your lot some life, drawing people in while making your business more accessible.
Consider Rebranding
You probably spent a lot of time and money getting a great brand put together for your store, with signage, logos, fonts, colors, and lighting all part of the process. Once you’ve come through that process with something you like, the last thing you want to do is change it. After a few years, though, it might be beneficial to make some changes.
This may sound like sacrilege after all you put into your brand, but it makes sense to rebrand. Total overhauls of visual elements are rare, but every major business has made frequent adjustments to its campaign. Think about how you might adjust things. Simply repainting a sign or adding a small detail to your logo can do more than you think to generate interest. At the very least, make adjustments when you need to replace signage due to age.
Repaint, Recolor, and Refresh
If you don’t want to change the look of your branding campaign, you can at least change the look of your building. It’s amazing how much a simple coat of paint in a new color can do to grab people’s attention and make the store look more appealing. This can also be a cost-effective option because you’ll have to repaint periodically anyway.
If you’ve spent years in earth tones, go with something bright and exciting. If that’s how your building looks now, revert back to something sleek and subtle. The key is to create something new that contrasts with the old look so that viewers immediately register the change. Once you’ve done that, you have their attention, and you’re drawing them in to spend money.
The key to getting customers to spend money is to get them inside your store. The more you can do to grab their attention as they pass by, the better your odds of getting them to do that. Everything needs a little change from time to time, and sometimes a big change is in order. Think about what has gotten dated, familiar, or boring about your storefront, and use these tips to shake things up to shake up your bottom line.
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