Americans love shopping, and that’s why their physical retail is growing in the country. There are more than a million online physical retail stores in the country. However, this also means that there is stiffer competition than ever.
If you’ve noticed that foot traffic in your physical retail store has been declining due to more competition, it’s essential to take a step back and assess what might be causing the problem. Here are various reasons why your physical store is failing and how you can deal with them.
No Reason to Visit
In today’s day and age, there are so many different options for shopping, both online and in-person. So, if you want customers to choose your store over all the others, you need to give them a good reason to do so. That could mean offering lower prices than your competitors, a unique selection of merchandise, or better customer service. If you’re unsure what incentivizes customers to visit your store specifically, try surveying them or conducting market research.
Dirty or Unorganized Store
First impressions matter—especially when it comes to retail stores. If customers come into your store and it’s dirty or unorganized, they’re likely to turn around and leave without making a purchase. So ensure your store is always clean and tidy by implementing regular cleaning schedules and having employees tidy up throughout the day. You should also organize your merchandise in a way that makes sense and is easy for customers to navigate.
Old Looks
An old-looking retail store can make customers think your products are outdated and unappealing. That’s why a good facelift can make a difference in your store. Here are some of the best renovation options for your retail store:
Curb Appeal
The first thing your consumers will see is the exterior of your store, so make sure it looks inviting. Consider giving the outside of your store a fresh coat of paint and adding some plants or decorations to enhance the appearance.
Interior Design
The interior design of your store also plays a significant role in attracting customers. Modernize your store by changing out old fixtures, incorporating trendy decor elements, and using strategic lighting.
Paint
Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of a new coat of paint. Choose a visually appealing color that complements your store’s theme and gives it a fresh, updated look.
The right renovation can make your store more appealing, especially for consumers. If you can’t do these renovations yourself, consider hiring a professional to help you out. A commercial construction service can ensure that your renovation is safe and finishes on time. The service can also provide a consultation to help you plan the best renovation strategy for your store.
Lack of Online Presence
These days, nearly every business needs an online presence, even if they’re brick-and-mortar only. Customers like to be able to browse a store’s website before visiting in person so that they can get an idea of what kinds of products are available and get an idea of pricing. Here’s how to improve your online presence.
Website
If you don’t already have a website for your physical retail store, now is the time to create one. Your website should include information about your store, such as location and hours of operation, and a showcase of some of your products and their prices.
Social Media
In addition to having a website, it’s also essential to have active social media accounts. There are millions of Americans on social media right now. A profile on all platforms allows customers to easily connect with your business online and stay updated on any promotions or new products. Choose a few platforms that make the most sense for your business—such as Instagram for fashion retailers or Facebook for general retail stores—and post regularly on them.
Technology Upgrades
Incorporating technology can not only make running your retail store easier, but it can also impress customers. Here are some essential technology updates for your store:
Mobile Payments
Mobile payment options, like Apple Pay and Google Pay, allow customers to quickly pay with their phones instead of carrying around physical cash or cards. This can streamline the checkout process and make it more convenient for customers.
Online Ordering
Allow customers to place orders online for in-store pickup or delivery. This not only provides convenience for your customers but also increases sales for your business.
In-Store Wi-Fi
Offering in-store Wi-Fi can attract customers to spend more time at your retail store and make purchases there. It’s also an added convenience for customers who need to use the internet for personal reasons while shopping.
If you’re noticing that foot traffic in your physical retail store has declined, there could be several reasons. Take some time to assess which might be affecting your business and then take steps to correct the issue. With some effort, you should be able to turn things around and bring customers back into your store!
