4 Ways to Get More Traffic to Your Retail Store
While much of the focus these days is on web-based (ecommerce) businesses, the fact is that the retail sector is still alive — and in some industries and marketplaces, it’s growing. If you’re at the helm of a retail operation, then obviously you want more people buying more products. To that end, here are four proven and practical ways to increase traffic — and ultimately, boost sales:
photo/ Michael Jarmoluk via pixabay.com
- Launch a loyalty program.
A loyalty program is an excellent way to stay on your customers’ radar screens, and also to generate valuable data to better understand what they buy, how much they spend, how often they purchase, and so on.
- Cross-promote with local businesses.
Cross-promoting with local businesses can be a significant win-win arrangement. For example, if you run an independent pharmacy, then many of your customers are health conscious — which means forming a strategic partnership with a nearby fitness club or spa could be ideal. Or, you may run a coffee shop where laptop-toting patrons run into problems with malware and viruses. Partnering with a local computer repair store can help you both generate more business.
- Get your signage right.
What’s in a business sign? Well, you might be surprised to learn that many customers choose one business over another based on nothing more than being impressed by — or sometimes simply just remembering — a business sign. Just make sure you don’t go to DIY route, since you’ll end up with some amateur that will damage your brand vs. elevate it. Choose an experienced sign partner like Landmark Signs, and your money and time will be wisely invested.
While you’re at it, invest in the interior of your store with having custom POP displays to draw more attention to your products.
- Use mobile point-of-sale technology.
One of the reasons that customers shop online vs. head to a retail store is that they dislike — make that hate — standing in line at the cash register. One of the ways you can avoid triggering this frustration and fury is by using mobile point-of-sale technology, which essentially lets you securely process payment card (credit and debit) sales anywhere in your store. In fact, if you can even offer curb side checkout, which means your customers don’t even have to leave their cars to get their goods and make payment. How convenient is that?
The Bottom Line
Regardless of whether your retail store is having its best year or quarter ever, or things have been on the sluggish side lately, the fact remains that for long-term success — and survival — you need a steady stream of traffic. The above tips can help bring more people into your store, and ensure that your best days are ahead!
Author: Chans Weber
