5 TIPS TO DRIVE SALES IN BRICK & MORTAR RETAIL
In this world of online...well...everything, many customers still appreciate the experience of shopping in a real live brick & mortar shop. Online options offer very stiff competition, but it doesn’t mean the traditional retail location can’t thrive. With a few changes to how you approach the brick & mortar experience, you can drive sales in your shop.
Here are 5 tips to help drive sales in your location:
Online Ordering If you don’t already offer online purchases, you need to. While your customers still enjoy the experience of going to an actual location and making purchases in person, we all appreciate the convenience provided by ordering online. Providing online ordering allows you to display your entire stock and generate sales beyond your regular business hours and store location.
Social Media Just like with online orders, if your company doesn’t have a social media presence, you should take a step into the 21st Century and create one. Through social media you can reach potential customers who may not otherwise visit your location. More importantly, you can present and distinguish your company as a unique brand and customer experience.
Signs & Displays Old school, but effective. Each of your business’s signs and other visual displays is an opportunity to make a lasting impression and leave your customers with a memorable in-store experience. For example, simple adding your logo to any sign posted reminds customers they are purchasing from a brand. You can find professional and affordable signage here.
Marketing / Pricing Strategies Often times smaller businesses can’t afford to match the price cuts and services of larger companies. BUT that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative and develop marketing strategies that standout. For instance, you may not be able to give deep discounts on items, but you can offer discounted bundles that are unique to your business.
Improve Customer Service This sounds like a no brainer, but there’s a little more to it than being nice. Don’t think of customer service as simply smiling and being nice to your customers. Think about it as improving your customers’ experience. Something as simple as including a low to no cost item on certain purchases, follow up phone calls to ensure they are satisfied, or even providing them with a cup of coffee when they come to your location can be very impactful. Be creative as long as it is appropriate for your industry and customer base.
At the end of the day, you know your customer base better than anyone. You know what they’ll respond to and what they like. However, if you want to continue to thrive and remain competitive, you must change the way you engage customers. Revitalize your current customer base by displaying unique signage and improving customer service. Continue to expand that base by utilizing social media, new marketing strategies, and online ordering.