With today’s technology, it seems that a lot of people prefer to shop from the comfort of their homes. However, as a brick & mortar retail store owner, you can take advantage of this trend by letting your customers know online that their products are available locally. Remind them of the benefits of buying locally, so they can help support the local economy while keeping it viable.
Make a trip to your retail store worthwhile, even enjoyable for your customers. As you read these suggestions, keep in mind the customer experience that you want to share with your customers.
So let’s get started. Here are 4 ways to help you promote your brick & mortar business:
Promote In-Store-Only Deals and Excellent Service
Make the customer feel that the offerings in the store are exclusively for them. Make your customers feel special. Go out of your way to assist them with any questions, offer advice, share insights. Create an experience that is so great that they will want to shop in your store time and time again. Create an environment that is relaxing. You want to encourage customers to linger long enough to make a purchase.
Offer Samples or Demonstrations
Demonstrations of your products are extremely valuable. You can showcase the features and benefits of your product in a way that allows your customers to physically see, hear and touch the product. If applicable, you can show how the product functions. Once a product is experienced, the product can sell itself.
Add Extra Value With In-Store Services
Extra value or perks are very important in the sales process. When customers are looking for retailers, the best price is not always the best option. The extra conveniences you offer can be very important. For example: if you own a clothing shop, you can offer tailoring at no extra charge. This perk can set you apart from a large online retail store where you purchase a piece of clothing that may or may not fit. Online stores don’t offer custom altering to ensure the customer with the best fit. You can! Like this clothing store example, think about what special service you can provide to your customers.
If the customer knows and feels great after your services are performed, the customer will purchase again. And they’ll likely tell a friend, or two. So don’t be afraid to set your products and services apart. Make it a pleasant experience with great results and will see as they will be sure to pay off.
Create a Loyalty Program
Customer loyalty programs are programs that reward loyal customers who frequently engage with your business’s products and services. By offering a Loyalty Program, you create an effective way to increase your customer retention. A Loyalty Program can help:
- Attract new customers.
- Retain existing customers.
- Reactivate dormant customers.
Spice up your loyalty programs by giving members unexpected perks like a free cup of coffee or perhaps sending a handwritten note thanking them for their purchase and being such a loyal customer. Remember that surprising and delighting your customers is an effective way to boost spending, engagement, and word-of-mouth referrals.
With the pandemic now 2+ years in the making, it is time to bring customers back to your brick and mortar store. People are eager to re-engage with everything they’ve missed, especially going to brick-and-mortar stores to make purchases. It’s time to roll out the red carpet and invite them back. You’ll be glad you did!
About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh-based marketing consulting firm providing senior-level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long-term basis. Core areas of service are business development strategies, website creation and management, social media management, marketing, strategic planning, and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business.