‹ INSIGHTS | RETAIL BETTER BLOG
CLEAN, NEAT AND ORGANIZED STORES ARE SUCCESSFUL STORES - ALWAYS LOOK AS GOOD AS YOU ARE
January 16, 2020 by Ally Azzarelli – The investment firm UBS predicts 40,000 stores will close in the next five years, it’s easy to blame e-commerce. However, the fastest way to turn away customers is with a store that’s dated, unorganized, dirty and/or messy. Stores that sparkle and shine make shoppers feel welcome and confident about the merchandise or services offered in-store.
According to ServiceChannel’s State of Brick and Mortar Retail Report, 70 percent surveyed admitted to a recent negative experience. These messy store encounters included disorganized shelves, sloppy dressing rooms, burned-out light bulbs and dirty restrooms.
Neatness Matters
Cluttered shelves and various simple aesthetics can create a bad impression and is a surefire way to lose credibility. Using the right fixtures, sign hardware and product display elements for your stores is essential. Smart retail fixtures help maximize display space, increase sales, improve the customer experience, and encourage repeat business.
Robots to the Rescue
Shoppers are looking at your floors, walls, doors, windows, entry ways and more. Retailers like Ahold Delhaize and Walmart deployed computerized AI robots in their stores to help with everything from scrubbing floors to scanning shelves for out-of-stock items. An easy way to keep employees and management accountable is with a task management program or by incentivizing your staff with enhanced workforce programs and benefits or salary increases.
Cleanliness Is Key
It only takes one disgusted customer to share a video or photo of your messy store via social media to make the evening news. Cleanliness is vital to the growth and reputation of any store and is a common factor to Consumer Reports’ top-rated 2019 U.S. grocery stores, supermarkets, and warehouse clubs such as stores like Wegman’s and Trader Joe’s.
An Affordable Refresh
Store remodels and updates don’t have to break the bank. From hiding unsightly pipes or wall obstructions to a simple refresh – a little refresh can go a long way and increase sales. Target reported a comparable sales boost related to its store remodels. Store exteriors just as important as the interiors – remember that’s the first thing your customers notice upon arrival. Keep parking lots well lit, trash out of site, and signage clear, vibrant and well maintained.
For additional retail remodeling, signage or marketing tips, be sure to follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook and connect with us on LinkedIn.
