While the convenience of online shopping is undeniable, brick-and-mortar stores remain an essential part of the consumer experience.
In-store shopping has evolved over the last few years, with consumers expecting more of an immersive experience to draw them in. Apart from tactile offerings, in-store shopping offers a more personable experience for customers.
Before you open your first retail space, there are five essential elements to consider for driving sales and improving your chances of success. Follow these five tips below to launch your new store:
Develop A Business Plan
Most successful businesses have a few things in common, one of those things being a well-designed business plan.
Your business plan will serve as a road map for launching your new brand.
Opening a retail space is the same as starting any other business – you need to have considered what products you will sell, where customers will come from, and how you will fund your business until it starts turning a profit.
Research business plans online for ideas on what to include in yours.
Branding
As with all businesses, branding is a vital element to consider.
Your retail space needs to tell a story about your brand. The most successful brands have become luxury must-haves, with couture stores leading the pack in the clothing industry.
Focus on creating the brand you want to own, using a carefully designed logo and corporate identity to drive the image you want your retail space to have. Consider what customers you hope to attract and craft your brand accordingly.
Physical Space
If you open your retail space on a busy street, you must factor security into your plans.
Look online for inspiration on what to add to your building to improve safety and security. Roller shutter doors are a popular choice for retailers because they provide increased security and an element of a “lock up and go” lifestyle.
Companies like UK Roller Shutters have some prime examples of what to look for when building the physical retail space of your dreams.
Location
When opening a new retail space, location is everything.
Choose a busy mall or street space where the majority of your target market will travel past. Foot traffic is not as essential as you might think – the most crucial element is visibility.
When your customers can see your store and all it has to offer, they will be more inclined to pop in.
People have a psychological fear of missing out, so it would do your new business good to show potential customers what they are missing on social media channels.
Personalized Experiences
Finding success in a physical store is more about inventory.
With the growing popularity of online shopping, physical stores need to offer added value and a reason for customers to visit.
Provide your customers with a new, personalized experience. That does not mean you have to somehow know who each of your future customers will be, but it does mean researching what is popular in your area.
Offer free samples, makeovers, or coffees to your customers to encourage them to come in and shop.
In Conclusion
As popular as online stores are, they are not likely to fully replace a physical retail space.
Follow these five tips above and your new retail space will be booming before you know it!