The power of a first impression should not be underestimated—especially for retail businesses. Warmer weather is on its way, bringing with it spring clean-ups and seasonal updates to the exterior of your business. As you de-winterize your storefront and prepare for the spring season, take some time to explore ways to improve your building’s curb appeal.
Ninety-five percent of shoppers say the exterior appearance of a store is important in deciding where to shop. Many shoppers decide whether or not they’ll shop at your business before ever stepping foot inside. A survey conducted by Morpace Omnibus found that more than two-thirds of customers say they’ve avoided a store based on its external appearance, and 70% of first-time sales are influenced by curb appeal.
Refreshing your store’s exterior can be a highly-effective way to attract new customers. One report by Monash University found that retail sales to new customers increased by nearly 50% when stores remodel and upgrade their appearance. More customers are drawn to the updated store, shoppers spend more time per visit, and ultimately, shop more frequently.
🔲 Clean windows, siding/brick, doors, and gutters
🔲 Make signage easily visible
🔲 Draw attention with a well-lit exterior
Improve curb appeal and safety by enhancing your exterior lighting. Keep parking lots and walkways illuminated at night to keep your customers safe. Use creative, dynamic lighting in your signage and “lightscaping” to attract shoppers’ attention.
🔲 Touch-up chipped paint, damaged siding/ fascia, and other exterior repairs
🔲 Edge sidewalks and curbs
🔲 Tend to your landscaping and lawn
Spring clean-up is an important step in maintaining curb appeal. Remove unsightly debris remaining from melted snow piles, and repair any damage to your lawn and landscaping from the winter season.
🔲 Move your trash out-of-sight for customers
🔲 Engage sidewalk traffic with creative window displays
🔲 Perform seasonal updates
Keep things fresh! Changing your exterior decor, landscaping, and signage for holidays and seasons prevents shoppers from developing marketing fatigue.
Have a great before-and-after of your storefront to share? Send it to news@retailers.com for a chance to be featured.