Want to make the most of the customers who enter your store? Brick-and-mortar stores have to work hard first to attract customers and then, secondly, to convert them and turn a sale. This is accomplished by qualifying the lead in advance and then delivering or exceeding expectations once they are there.
How to Get a Customer’s Attention in a Store
Here is how to get a customer's attention in a store in a positive manner:
Clear Your Layout
Your store layout should be intuitive, easy, and organic. The more space between elements, the better. If you have a large store that you want to make easier for customers to navigate, use digital wayfinding signage. Ensure the layout promotes an intuitive flow and that products are not difficult to locate, reach, and buy.
Light Your Store Like an Expert
Direct spotlights and accent lighting on premium products. Make your products stand out. Guide customers through lighting to high-traffic areas, such as your new arrivals area or seasonal displays. Always opt for a warm ambiance over cold.
Background Music Sets the Tone
In-store music should match your brand and appeal to your target audience. Upbeat pop and calming instrumentals are the two most common categories of retail in-store music. Set up a playlist appropriate for the time of day or current store traffic patterns.
Keep Products at Eye-Level
Eye-level products should be high-margin or promotional items. This is where you have maximum visibility. Rotate product placements on the shelf to run some A/B testing and ensure you have the best products where they need to be.
Eye-Catching Digital Signage
Digital signage software is arguably the best method for displaying limited-time offers and flash sales in-store. It easily draws attention with bright lights, dynamic images, and contrasting colours. Set digital signage up at intuitive and organic locations across your store.
Highlight Your Best-Sellers
Your best-sellers are best-selling for a reason. Display what resonates with your audience. Consider creating themed displays with images and signage that feature these products.
Clear Overhead Signage
In a store setting, grab a customer's attention and send it to the right area with separate signage above each department. Use signage throughout the store to designate locations and indicate directions for a hassle-free customer experience.
Incorporate Pleasant, Subtle Scents
Aromatherapy can create and enhance a strong sensory experience. Choose subtle, pleasant scents that make sense for your customers. Up the atmosphere in seasonal areas or new product sections to attract attention. Avoid any scents that feel overpowered and could deter customers.
Use Tags and Signage for Discounts
When you run a sale or discount, ensure you use shelf signage or hanging tags to highlight the price cut. Don't be shy about drawing customers' attention to how much money they save by buying a product on sale.
Host In-Store Events
In-store events often greatly interest customers. They could involve hosting an influencer or brand for an appearance, participating in a new product launch, offering a skills workshop, product demonstration, or something else.
Themed Experiences
Make your store even more experiential. Create zones and a theme for each zone. Group like products together. Work to attract specific audiences to specific areas of the store, each with its distinguished atmosphere.
Product Displays
Many brands have a window display and call it a day. Instead, create displays inside your store with carefully placed products in colour, shape, and texture. If you do this right, customers will discuss your store and products.
Invest in an Attractive Entryway
Have your logo and graphics set up at the front of your store, externally or internally. Consider positioning the entryway to set a clear tone for the shopping experience and establish your brand identity.
Provide Free Samples
Free samples, products, and product trials get a person's attention. For snacks, beverages, or skincare items, a sample can entice customers to return and buy. Set up sample stations intelligently with cross-selling items close by.
Offer Interactive Displays
Interactive displays allow customers to explore product features, get questions answered, and look up specs. Digital signage displays can also share product sales, video demonstrations, and how-to guides.
Rotate Décor
Move in new store décor with every season. Ensure you keep your retail store interesting to new and old customers. Seasonal décor, such as at Halloween, also creates a lot of excitement, which benefits what you sell and how much you make per sale.
Maintain Your Store
Invest in cleaning supplies or a commercial cleaning service to ensure your store is regularly cleaned. Most stores require daily cleaning to keep their exterior and interior like new. A clean store attracts positive attention.
Offer Exclusive In-Store Discounts
Encourage customers to buy more with special in-store-only discounts. Combined with time-sensitive offers, this could be the right combination to earn more sales.
Related: Why Data-driven Personalization is Key to Boosting Customer Loyalty
