10 Business Strategies

to Increase Sales

(That Actually Work for Retail & Ecommerce Stores)

If you’re tired of flat sales, unpredictable results, or feeling like you're doing all the right things but still not growing, this is for you.

 

There’s no shortage of advice out there about how to “boost sales.” But most of it’s vague, overly technical, or built for businesses 10x your size.

You don’t need gimmicks or another app.
You need simple, proven business strategies that actually move the needle.

These 10 tactics work whether you sell in a retail store, online, or both... and they don’t rely on discounts or burnout.

Let’s dive in

1. Focus on Increasing AOV (Average Order Value)

Instead of just chasing more customers, increase how much each one spends.
Simple ways to do this:

  • Offer bundles or “shop-the-look” options

  • Recommend add-ons at checkout

  • Introduce thresholds (e.g. “Free gift when you spend £50+”)

 

2. Identify Your Top-Selling Products, and Double Down

Not all products are equal.
Look at what’s:

  • Selling most frequently

  • Driving the highest profit

  • Easy to restock or scale

Then:

  • Create featured collections around them

  • Promote them more in emails and Reels

  • Build offers and bundles that centre around them

3. Fix Your Product Pages (Online) or Displays (In-Store)

For ecommerce:

  • Add real benefit-led headlines

  • Use lifestyle imagery

  • Make your CTAs clear (“Buy it now” vs “Learn more”)

For physical stores:

  • Avoid cluttered shelving

  • Make price tags legible

  • Use signage that tells a story, not just a price

🔗 Watch: How to Optimise Your Product Page for More Sales

 

4. Introduce a Clear Loyalty Path

Don’t just hope customers return, give them a reason to.

Try:

  • A simple stamp card (in-store)

  • Email rewards for multiple purchases (online)

  • VIP tiers with early access or free gifts

Pro Tip: Keep it simple and quick to reward. The faster they feel the benefit, the more likely they are to return.

🔗 Watch: How to Build a Loyalty Program

 

5. Train Your Sales Team to Sell Smarter

Whether online or in-person, your team must know how to:

  • Ask the right questions

  • Recommend solutions, not just products

  • Confidently close a sale

🔗 Watch: How to Build a High-Performance Retail Sales Team

how do i make more retail sales

 6. Add a Low-Lift Offer That Converts Cold Customers

Sometimes, people aren’t ready to buy your flagship product.

Introduce a low-commitment offer like:

  • A £9.99 digital download

  • A trial-size product

  • A first-time buyer bundle

This gets them into your ecosystem and builds trust.

 

7. Use Scarcity & Urgency, Ethically

No fake countdowns or misleading claims.

Instead:

  • Launch limited editions

  • Time-bound discounts (“3 days only”)

  • Promote “only 10 left” messaging when true

Urgency gets people to act, when done right.

 

8. Email Your Customers More Often (With Real Value)

If you’re not emailing at least weekly, you're leaving money on the table.

Send:

  • Tips (e.g. how to use or style your product)

  • Reviews or testimonials

  • Restock alerts

  • Invitations to shop new arrivals first

Use the 80/20 rule: 80% value, 20% promo.

 

9. Partner With Another Brand

This could be as simple as:

  • A product swap or bundle

  • A joint giveaway

  • A cross-promo email

Pick a brand with a similar audience but non-competing product line.

 

10. Re-engage Past Customers With a Personal Touch

Look at your list of previous buyers.
Who hasn’t returned in 3–6 months?

Send them:

  • A quick “We miss you” offer

  • A personal note or DM

  • An exclusive early access invite

People are more likely to buy again than new customers, if you give them a reason.

 

Ready to Turn Strategy Into Sales?

You don’t need more followers.
You don’t need a bigger range of products.
You need focused strategies that get results, and consistency in how you show up.

If you’re ready to apply this in your own store (and stop guessing), let’s talk.

🎯 Book a free discovery call with me here
Let’s get your retail or ecommerce business performing like it should. 

FAQ's You Might Still Be Wondering

Why Choose Samuel Chapman Retail Coach?

With over a decade of hands-on experience growing small businesses, I’ve helped shop owners go from overlooked and underpaid to profitable, confident, and in control.

Whether you run a boutique, lifestyle store, gift shop or something in between, I know what it’s like to feel stuck despite working hard.

My methods are built around strategy, not guesswork and I’ve worked with over 100 retail business owners to:

✔️ Attract more footfall without relying on discounts
✔️ Increase return customers and average order value
✔️ Clarify their store’s message and improve customer experience
✔️ Feel proud of the business they’ve built again

If you’re ready to transform the way your store performs, it starts with a conversation.

Book Your Free Discovery Call Here

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