Friday, April 16, 2021

Storefront Power

Are you staying clever?

We've all heard those three wise words in real estate...

Location. Location. Location.

My own three wise words in retail have become...

Consistency. Consistency. Consistency.

Taking pride in your retail space, knowing who your customer is, creating an inviting interior environment are all important factors in keeping traffic flowing and for the business to run smoothly. Your storefront is truly

the window to the soul of your business.

If you are rockin your online shop in sales & services but your brick & mortar shop is lacking its opening day pride and visual lustre, it's time to dodge the obvious, regroup and redesign before the awkward whispers begin.

Who doesn't love "The Big Reveal" at the end of our favorite Before & After shows? It reminds me of the days when I'd walk by a store and instantly know why the black curtain was covering up the front window display; because of the actual visual artists secretly creating the next product launch, next season's theme or ad campaign.

Where would Macy's Union Square in San Francisco be now without their lavish window displays of live puppies, imported fresh flowers, ballet dancers and local theatre mimes wearing the latest Spring couture?

When I search for the online shop of a brick & mortar business and come across a completely different aesthetic, it immediately shouts out the feeling of "Neglect" and confusion. Noticing that inconsistent vibe is actually how I gained my first 2 clients and I imagine it's how I gained the nickname "Brand Fixer".

There are ways to redesign even with a subtle approach that can do wonders for your digital and in-store brand; even after you've exhausted the thoughtful ideas of your interior designer friends.

Having only one bold design statement in a marketing campaign can be just as powerful as a window display full of baby chicks.

Creating a powerful storefront can be challenging and competitive,

but if you're having fun with growing your business and you love and believe in your product, your customer will tell everyone they know about you.

Whether you are representing a luxury jewelry store or an apothecary shop, choosing to be visually minimal or abundant should not be a difficult decision if you are completely in tune with your brand.