A storefront gives out its message to a customer before he/she enters. Most people make an opinion about the avatar of a store within seconds of seeing it. They decide quickly if they want to go into the store based on the cleanliness and the invite of the store.
You do not have to spend a lot of money to create an inviting storefront. Most improvements to the avatar of a storefront can be made quickly and inexpensively by doing things like cleaning windows, changing the lighting, or adding some plants/flowers.
In this article, there will be some effective strategies for any business owner to use to make their storefront more inviting to customers and enhance their chance to make a positive impression on all the new customers they will attract to the business.
A Clean Space Says It All
Keeping your business clean significantly impacts a customer’s first perception of your company. A clean inside and outside shows customers that you are detail-oriented and that you value their experience when they visit.
This requires a daily clean, not just deep cleaning every now and then. There are simple tasks such as sweeping the sidewalk, wiping down door handles, and emptying garbage that should be completed each day.
Clutter detracts from your overall image. When box crates are stacked on top of each other, when old flyers are posted everywhere, and when cigarette butts litter the ground, the beauty of your building can become obscured and uninviting.
By taking five to ten minutes to use checklists at opening and closing, your small messes will not accumulate. Also, if your staff is encouraged to clean their messes immediately after creating them, this will help keep your business looking good and also establish trust between you and your customers.
Don't Overlook the Windows
Windows are a vital element of a storefront's exterior that are often overlooked. Dirty glass creates an uninviting impression of an otherwise clean inside.
Frequent washing of storefront windows removes grime and keeps them free from dirt and dust. Having clean windows allows for maximizing natural light and improving display visibility.
Window frames, sills, and high-touch areas like glass door handles build up fingerprints and smudges throughout the day.
Storefronts located on busy, high-traffic streets will build up exhaust fumes and dust quickly. Wiping down windows every few days keeps your storefront looking fresh and clean.
Windows that are clean and clear allow light to shine through to create brighter and larger-looking stores. Using the right solutions to clean your windows will help prevent streaks on the glass surface, as well as damage to the surface.
Brighten Things Up, Day and Night
Lighting at the storefront can greatly impact the mood of customers. A dark or shady entrance during the day may give an impression that the store is closed or not inviting.
Using light outdoors around doors and walkways or signs can help guide customers to the entrance safely as the daylight fades each evening.
Using warm coloured bulbs gives off a more relaxing feeling than a bright white light. They will also make customers feel more comfortable entering.
Using focused lighting directed to highlight architectural features, window displays, and signage will create visual interest and project a professional look.
Repair broken lighting immediately to create a professional appearance, as well as save on your electric bill by using LED bulbs.
Make Sure Your Signs Do Their Job
People will often see your storefront sign first before they get close or drive by. Your signs should be legible, easy to read, use clear fonts, provide high contrast, and be large enough to be read both day and night.
A faded or blinking sign will make it look as if your business is closed. It's best to have your current hours and a welcome sign posted so customers can know what time you open the door as they walk in.
Updating your signs seasonally adds personality to your business and shows you care about your business's appearance. Consistent fonts and colors across all sign types will deliver a consistent professional appearance to your customers.
Make the Entrance Feel Open and Easy
An entrance provides the atmosphere and establishes the mood of the entire place and transitions from the outside world to your work environment. Moreover, a clean mat will be more inviting than one that's dirty by keeping dirt off the floor.
Doors that have good hinges and open easily give off an inviting feeling, compared to a door that has poor hinges and is difficult to open or squeaks. On nice days, propping the door open will also help create a warm and friendly atmosphere.
A clear pathway allows everyone to have an easy and comfortable way of getting in, including baby strollers and wheelchairs, but having a bell will add an extra welcome as it alerts the staff to a customer.
Include a Bit of Greenery
Plants and flowers add liveliness and warmth to a plain exterior. They also help soften any hard surfaces, including concrete or brick. Just a few potted plants positioned around the entrance can add much color and texture with very limited maintenance.
Display care by using hanging baskets, window boxes, or planters along walkways. Doing so indicates your attention to detail goes beyond just the products inside your business.
By selecting low-maintenance and hardy plants that are properly suited for the climate in which they live, you can significantly reduce maintenance while still maintaining a fresh look to your greenery all year long.
Continuously changing your seasonal flowers gives your storefront a new look, indicating that your business is still up-to-date. Additionally, maintaining a regular schedule of trimming plants will keep them looking neat and tidy and ensure they will not obstruct your windows and signs.
Create a Spot to Pause and Stay Awhile
Adding some benches, chairs, or a small place to sit outside a business can dramatically change how welcoming a space appears.
Seating provides customers with the message they are welcome to stay longer than simply passing through to encourage repeat visits by customers.
For businesses that provide food, such as cafes or bakeries, having outdoor seating allows for an extension of their service outside of the counter and gives customers a reason to hang out and enjoy.
Likewise, for businesses selling products other than food, adding a shaded bench will give tired shoppers a place to rest while waiting.
In order for the seating to provide comfort rather than clutter, it should be kept clean and sturdy, arranged in an organized, non-crowded manner, and should not obstruct pathways.
Adding an umbrella or awning above seating areas will provide shade for customers when it's sunny, making the outdoor areas utilized as seating comfortable regardless of the weather.
A Fresh Coat of Paint Goes a Long Way
Storefronts tend to appear worn, even when they have been adequately maintained, because weathering from rain, sun, and wear can chip or fade the original finished surfaces.
A quick touch-up of painted surfaces, such as the door frame, trim, and store signage, can give the storefront a clean and fresh appearance without the cost of repainting the entire storefront.
Consistent colour schemes with brands will give the impression that the storefront was designed purposefully rather than haphazardly.
Bright colours can bring energy to a storefront, and soft colours may create a more calming and inviting environment.
When painted accents add character to a store front and seasonal inspections are performed on painted surfaces for peeling, they can be repaired before the need to be repaired adds excessive costs.
Keep Walkways Clear and Safe for Everyone
To create an inviting storefront, it is important to ensure the space is inviting and easy for everyone to get around in. A broken sidewalk, uneven stairs, and loose floor tiles create tripping hazards which will cause customers to have a negative first experience at your store.
If your sidewalks are free of ice, leaves and debris, this will help to prevent potential accidents and will show your customers that you care. Providing ramps, handrails, and wide shop entrance doors allows people in wheelchairs, with walkers or using strollers continue to access your store.
Clearly marked parking areas, clear access to your building, and prompt snow removal will not only keep your customers safe while moving to and from your store, but will also show that you operate your business in an open manner.
Let Your Window Displays Tell a Story
A window display provides passers by with a glimpse of what can be discovered within the business.
An attention grabbing, well-planned display will draw attention to key items as well as useful seasonal displays without overwhelming the viewer.
Each week or two, display items should be rotated out to create a fresh look so regular passers-by will be curious to see what's new.
Having a clean display area as well as good lighting helps everything in the display look great during both day and evening hours.
A properly designed window display will turn passers-by into curious onlookers, inviting them to come in and browse. Limiting text elements while avoiding overcrowded or busy displays will make your window display easy to read while allowing the key items within the display to be easily seen.
Final Thoughts
Creating a localized atmosphere takes time, but a storefront doesn’t need a complete overhaul; making minor improvements made consistently over time will create a much more welcoming place for customers.
Some of the ways to increase your store’s welcome would be through regular cleaning and maintenance, repairing minor issues, and improving the feel of the storefront through colour, lighting, or seating.
Customers may not know exactly why they feel comforted by a business, but they will recognize the feeling of ease. The more a storefront appears inviting from the outside, the more assured customers will feel before they enter.
Most changes will fit into a business owner’s normal day-to-day operations and typically do not require significant capital expenditures. Making only one or two small changes will create a large impact.
Gradually, these small details will help create a storefront that appears to be taken care of properly, approachable, and ready for all potential customers.