How to Increase Sales at Your Retail Store
More people are shopping online these days, much to the detriment of brick and mortar stores. However, there are still some things you can do to boost sales to your store. Click here to find out how to increase sales at your retail store.
Are the days of successful brick and mortar stores in the past? Do you have to move your business online to survive?
No!
Your retail store can thrive in today’s market with just a few updates and tweaks. Yes, the digital age has changed how we market and advertise our stores, but the enjoyment of walking into a beautiful store in person hasn’t.
If you’re ready to learn how to increase sales and take your retail store to the next level, keep reading.
1. Update Your Storefront
To increase foot traffic, your store needs to be appealing to those walking by. This means having clean windows, no chipping paint, and good signage.
Consider hiring a landscaper to add bushes and/or flowerbeds to your outside space.
You should also ensure cigarette butts and garbage are regularly cleaned up. This can be a part of your employees’ cleaning duties. Updating a sandwich board sign can also be part of the employees’ tasks that allow them to be creative.
Inside the store, merchandising is key. You can use in-store execution to ensure your merchandising is done right.
If your neighborhood has lots of foot traffic and people with dogs, consider placing a bowl of water outside your store. It sends the message that you care about your community and its residents- human and four-legged.
2. Invest in Great Training
There’s nothing worse than paying your employees to sit on their phones behind the counter. It’s bad for your budget and bad for business.
Consider hiring an expert customer servicer trainer to spend a day or two with your staff. They’ll learn proper customer service techniques as well as sales strategies.
However, it’s up to you to to want to do well, especially when they’re only earning minimum wage. Perhaps create an incentive program that motivates them to increase sales in return for a bonus or reward.
3. Upgrade the Atmosphere
How awesome is it to walk into a beautiful store and be immediately greeted by wonderful scents and sounds?
Depending on your customers, you should choose music that inspires them to shop. For older generations, playing jazz in the background creates a sophisticated vibe. For younger crowds, playing radio hits and upbeat pop tunes makes your store feel hip and cool.
And, consider lighting a candle or two at the cash register area. It adds an interesting ambiance and a nice aroma to your store.
4. Boost Your Online Presence
You may be hesitant to dive into the world of social media because it’s intimidating.
Unfortunately, the digital age we live in basically requires you to have an online presence. It doesn’t have to be scary though. Creating a website is easy with websites like Squarespace and signing up for social media is free and easy.
You should use your website to showcase the different products you sell and create content about the niche your business is in.
Your social media pages can be used to showcase products as well, but you really want to use these platforms to connect with potential customers.
5. Google My Business
Do you know how many searches are done on a mobile device these days? A lot. And most of them are “near me” searches. Catering to these searches will significantly .
This means that people in your city may be searching for “upscale clothing boutiques near me”; you want your store to be the first result they see. To achieve this, you need a Google My Business page.
Include your current address, phone number, and a link to your website. You should also list your store hours and work on garnering positive reviews. Reviews are crucial for customers to see your business in the search results and be motivated to learn more.
6. Facebook Ads
Digital marketing is made easy on Facebook.
You can easily start a campaign by setting your budget and choosing an objective (increase awareness, increase interest, increase sales, etc.).
The campaign can be set to be seen only by the demographic you want it to. If you’re a store in Houston that caters to middle-aged women, then you can ensure that middle-aged women living in Houston will see your ads.
You can even run promotions and sales on Facebook that require the reward or coupon to be redeemed in-store only increasing your foot traffic.
7. Create Urgency
Nothing sends a shopper on a spending spree like limited time offers and flash sales.
By creating sales that have an impending end time, you create a sense of urgency for your customers. Who knows how much longer certain products will be available? They better get them now while supplies last!
Another excellent tactic is to hand every customer that walks in the door a coupon. It doesn’t have to be huge, 5% off or buy-3-get-one-free deals. When you have a discount already in hand, it creates motivation to spend.
8. Encourage Loyalty
Return customers are retail stores’ best friends. These customers continue to spend their money with you, and often provide free word of mouth marketing.
To reward and encourage their loyalty, consider handing out stamp cards to each customer. You could even have the first two boxes pre-stamped, getting them a few steps closer to a reward or free item.
You should also consider hosting community events in your store. It shows that you’re engaged with your community and care about local issues. Hosting a fundraiser is a great way to network with customers, build relationships, and recruit new shoppers.
Some women’s clothing stores host Ladies’ Nights and provide cocktails, drinks, and entertainment while the ladies shop. What a great idea!
Interested in Learning More About How to Increase Sales?
Your brick and mortar store is a critical component in your sales funnel and marketing strategies. By ensuring it looks appealing to customers and is marketed online, you will see a boost in sales.
With a few small changes to your storefront, customer service, and online presence, your foot traffic will increase and your business will thrive. Follow the retail sales tips above to set your goals into motion.
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