2013/09/26

What does your store front say about your business? | SmallBizSurvival.com

What does your store front say about your business?

Posted: 25 Sep 2013 11:35 PM PDT

An example of a good store front. Great door & window signage, and sandwich board. Driftless Market, Platteville, Wisconsin. Photo courtesy of Lyn Falk.

Guest post by Lyn Falk
Retailworks, Inc.

Your storefront says a lot about you and your business, actually. It's your customer's first impression of your brand. When competing with the big box retailers that are inevitably on the outskirts of your town, you need to turn on the charm––something the national chains can't compete with!

Think of someone entering your store as a guest coming to your home.

You'd want your address visible from the street, your yard looking good, the front sidewalk swept, and your flowers deadheaded, right?

Similarly, your store's facade should welcome visitors, and quickly tell them what you do.

How does your storefront measure up? Ask yourself, or a trusted friend or two, the following questions about your facade:

Is it obvious what you do?
Are your brand colors identifiable on your exterior?
Do you have window displays that inform and/or inspire?
Is your façade clean and well-lit?

Here are some tips on how to create a memorable, branded facade:

In addition to a large logo-sign visible to those driving by in automobiles, prominently display the name of your store at eye level for pedestrian traffic
List services, store hours and website on your door and/or windows
Create displays that get people talking [in a good way!]
Integrate your brand's colors, ie: paint your front door and/or add a colorful awning
Incorporate decorative accessories such as potted plants, flags, banners, or sandwich board, that celebrate the seasons and/or reflect your brand.
Keep the door open on nice days to invite curious passers-by inside.
Work with your neighbors and/or the powers that be in your community to create a parklet.

And finally, is your facade well-maintained? A little TLC can go a long way in creating a more professional look and leaving a credible impression on those driving or walking by.

Never underestimate the power of a well-designed storefront!

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Lyn Falk is the owner, educational speaker and interior designer at Retailworks Inc, an award-winning, nationally recognized design firm located in Mequon, Wisconsin, in the US. Lyn has over 25 years of experience teaching independent retailers and business professionals how to build healthy, purposeful and productive spaces that move hearts, minds, and merchandise.

More photos from Lyn's Main Street visit to Platteville, Wisconsin, in April 2013.