6 Ways to Update Your Storefront For the Modern Customer 

How often have you wandered into a store just because something about the storefront attracted you?

If you really stop to think about it, the answer is probably more than you expected.

We have all been there, killing a bit of time in the CBD in between meetings.  Already had a coffee, wandering the streets, and before you know it you are shoe shopping at a funky boutique or picking out a new accessory for your iphone.

Whether you are aware of it or not, storefronts are carefully designed to lure in unsuspecting customers.  Small tricks and trades of a well-designed storefront will lure in new customers, as well as ensure that existing ones return.  With technology whizzing past us at lightspeed, it is important to keep up with how this is impacting the seemingly basic elements of business like a storefront.  I am here to share with you 6 ways to update your storefront for today’s modern customer.

Stylish Signage

A storefront sign is a reflection of the entire business.

It is the best time to make a good first impression.  When designing your sign, take into consideration fonts, colours and imagery, while ensuring that they all reflect back to the overall brand image you are trying to portray.

A more modern option for a storefront sign is the lightbox, which is a highly-visible, weatherproof, and eye-catching alternative to traditional signage.   Many shop owners are using lightboxes to ensure their store stands out, as the modern lightbox display has become synonymous with stylish and, quite often, unique aesthetic choices.  Just remember, if a bulb goes out, be sure to replace it immediately!  Nobody likes a flickering or burnt-out store sign.

Window Wisdom

If your storefront has windows, ensure they are sparkling clean at all times.

This provides customers their first glance into your store.  A dirty window can make even the most pristine of stores look untidy.  If you don’t have time to clean the windows often, hire this task out.

It is truly an aspect of the store front that cannot be ignored or put off.

Windows are also a great opportunity for eye-catching window displays.  This can be a great way to showcase new items, or demonstrate how they should be used in an attractive way.

For the Love of Lighting

Just because you have bought a flash lightbox to illuminate your store name, doesn’t mean your are done lighting up your storefront.  Lighting is a key element in ensuring customers can see your store and feel safe coming in at all hours of the day.   Take into consideration your choice of lighting for the doorway and parking, and ensure the lighting is on during business hours.  If turning lights on and off is something that you are worried your staff may overlook, put the lights on a timer.

The Big Picture

Walk out of your store, walk another metre, and take a look at the big picture.

How are things looking?  The overall facade of the building is important to take into consideration when designing and developing your storefront.  Elements such as paint, siding, gutters, trim and awnings can appear to be of secondary importance, however, they are a vital part of the big picture.  Make sure the whole look has a sharp, clean, aesthetically pleasing aesthetic to it.

Tech-Talk

Many businesses today are doing the majority of their marketing on social networks like Facebook and Instagram.  Customers are essentially taking marketing photos for companies all around the world and showcasing them on their personal sites.

Learn to engage this audience to make them feel like a part of the company, and to attract like-minded customers.  Find a creative way to engage instagram photos of your product by having a large television in your display window highlighting the best Insta pics, or showcase a social media contest with a quality prize for the winner.

Don’t take it personally

When designing your storefront, keep your customer at the forefront of your mind.

It is easy for shop owners to let their own personal opinions and preferences get in the way of design.  Who is your target audience?  What are they attracted to?  Design from their perspective.

Designing a storefront is an exciting step for any shop owner.

Do your research before you commit to design, colour and themes.  Keep your target market in mind and don’t be afraid to get with today’s trends to attract more customers. Lastly, have fun with it.  If you enjoy the process, it will come out in the overall vibe of your storefront and customers will naturally be attracted to that!