It can be tough to keep a brick-and-mortar store afloat in today’s digital age. With the rise of online shopping, many people are choosing to do their shopping from the comfort of their homes. If you’re finding that your brick-and-mortar store is struggling, it’s not time to give up yet.
Here are three reasons why your brick-and-mortar store may be losing business. And some tips on how you can turn things around!
Poor Aesthetics
One advantage that physical stores still have over digital stores is aesthetics. People can browse through beautifully laid-out merchandise in a pretty store before they make a purchase. But if your store is cluttered, messy, or generally unappealing, customers are likely to take their business elsewhere.
Consider a fresh new colorful coat of paint. You should also consider lighting. The right kind of lighting – cove lighting, accent lighting, even fairy lights- can really make a difference in the overall look of your store.
Further, take a close look at your displays. Are they eye-catching? Do they make good use of color and space? If not, it’s time for a change.
Poor Customer Relations
Another advantage of physical stores over e-commerce sites is customer relations. Simply put, customer relations are the interactions between a business and its customers.
It’s important to remember that every customer is different and should be treated as such. If you have employees who are constantly talking on their phones or taking personal calls while on the clock, it sends the message that your customers are not a priority. The same goes for employees who are rude or dismissive.
Then, remember that customer relations don’t just happen in the store. You should also be active on social media, responding to comments and questions promptly.
Inferior and Outdated Products
At the end of the day, a pretty store and polite employees won’t make up for inferior products. If your products are of poor quality, customers will take their business elsewhere.
When stocking your shelves, always choose quality over quantity. It’s better to have a small selection of high-quality items than a large selection of low-quality items. You should also regularly check your inventory to make sure that everything is in good condition and that there are no damaged items.
It’s also a good idea to keep up with trends. If you’re selling products that are out of style, customers will be less likely to purchase them. Pay attention to what’s popular in the industry and adjust your inventory accordingly.
There are many reasons why your brick-and-mortar store may be losing business. These are some likely reasons. So by taking steps to improve the aesthetics of your store, create a better customer experience, and stock high-quality, trendy products, you can turn things around.
