If you’re a store owner, then you’re not usually looking at your shop in the same way a customer sees it. You’re too busy managing stock, figuring out ways to grow your business, and so on. However, it’s well worthwhile looking at through the eyes of someone who has never stepped through your doors before; if you do, you might find that you’re able to make your store’s shopping experience all the more enjoyable. But what do shoppers look for when they hit the stores, anyway? We take a look at some of the things below.
Helpful Staff
Make sure you’re hiring correctly because the people “front of store” will have a dramatic influence on the shopper’s experience. What makes a good staff member in a shop? It’s someone who’s a mix of helpful and polite. If a person is solely helpful – as in, they’ll do everything requested but don’t show much emotion – then your store might feel cold. If they’re extremely polite but not very helpful, then it’s obvious to see how problems could arise. Find staff who are pleasant but also good at retaining those useful pieces of information.
A Nice Ambiance
People don’t really want to go to Walmart. They go because it’s cheap; the atmosphere sucks. If they’re going to shop for fun, then they want to go somewhere that’s enjoyable to spend some time as they browse. This is where your ambiance comes in. Your store needs to be well lit, have soft, appropriate music playing, and have a pleasant aroma. You might wonder about that last one, but if you’ve ever asked ‘what is scent marketing?’ then that’s essentially it; it turns out that customers love shopping in store’s that have emotionally positive scents filling the air. Have in mind that you’re trying to make your shop as comfortable and enjoyable to be in as your living room, and you’ll be along the right lines.
A Hint of Originality
Sorry, but if you’re not original, then you better be the best! Shoppers have a million and one stores to choose from – you need to have something unique to make them choose your shop. If you’re just copying the look and feel of other stores, then you’re not giving your potential customers much of an incentive to shop with you – why would they go with you when they can go with the ones who did things in an original way?
Value Perception
No customer really wants to see the inner workings of your store. They want to be transported to a more enchanting world, where they’re living an experience, not just shopping. So invite them to step into your world. Don’t have too many versions of the same item in your shop, and don’t just dump them in a cart. Instead, treat your products with respect, and position them carefully. Your customers will be looking to feel like their purchase has a semblance of exclusivity. They’re not looking for stuff “off the rack” or in the bargain basement!