How to Get More Customers in to Your Retail Store

Are you struggling to get customers into your shop?

Thousands of UK independent retailers are facing declining footfall, fewer in-store purchases, and slower weeks, especially in towns where big chains or online shopping dominate.

But the good news?

You can fix it.

In this post, you’ll discover 10 proven ways to increase retail footfall, attract more local customers, and turn browsers into buyers.

Whether you run a boutique, gift shop, homeware store, or specialist retail business, these low-cost marketing ideas and shopfront strategies will help you stand out and bring real customers through the door.

1. Rethink Your Shopfront, It’s Your 24/7 Billboard

Your window is your first impression, but is it doing enough? So many retailers update their windows semi-frequently without using the tactics that actually help them to stand out and get noticed by their ideal customers. 

What to do:

• Change your window display every 2 weeks

• Use bold signage with benefit-led language 

• Add movement, mirrors, or lighting to grab attention from the street

• Use different heights 

Studies show that retailers who regularly refresh their displays can increase footfall by up to 20%.

2. Make the Pavement Work for You

Simple things make a big difference:

• A-frame signs with a bold hook (“Struggling with gift ideas? Sorted.”)

• Seasonal props or outdoor seating

• A “peek inside” table with bestsellers near the door

People make decisions in 3 seconds, don’t waste those steps.

3. Partner with Local Businesses for Mutual Traffic

 Collaborations are free marketing and double your exposure:

• Co-host an event with a coffee shop, florist, or maker

• Offer joint promotions or “shop & sip” evenings

• Feature local makers inside your store

Bonus: Start really engaging with your community, people support people when they care... so show them how much you care about them first. 

4. Create Buzz Online That Leads Offline

In the world we live in today... If you're not consistently visible online, you’re invisible to new customers.

Quick wins:

• Use local hashtags (e.g. #BrightonShopping, #ManchesterMakers) - Yes these types of hashtags still work well for local stores!

• Show behind-the-scenes prep for in-store events

• Share photos of real customers with permission

• Announce time-limited offers that can only be redeemed in person

Use genuine urgency... Instagram Stories with countdowns can increase store visits by 14%.

5. Give People a Reason to Visit, Today

Footfall happens when there's urgency or incentive:

• Flash promotions with purchases over your current AOV (e.g. “Today only: Free gift with purchase”)

• Local loyalty card stamp days (e.g. double points on Wednesdays)

• Live demos or free samples in store

Urgency + curiosity = action. Don’t just promote... create experiences and moments customers will remember and talk about.

Want More Customers Walking Through the Door This Week?

It’s not about being pushy or gimmicky... it’s about making your shop unmissable.

If your shop feels quiet, your confidence is low, or you’re not sure what to try next, the Retail Store Breakthrough is your next step.

We’ll walk through your space together (virtually or in person) and:
✅ Audit your shop, layout, signage, and customer journey
✅ Identify exactly why people aren’t walking in or buying
✅ Build a personalised, localised plan to get you visible again, fast

👉 Discover The Retail Store Breakthrough Here

Stop guessing. Let’s fix it properly... and get real customers through your door.

6. Host Events That Give People a Reason to Show Up

Events turn your shop from a place to buy into a place to experience.
Even a simple event can create buzz and attract first-time visitors.

Ideas to try:

• Product launches or new collection reveal nights

• Sip & Shop events with a local wine or coffee brand

• Live demos (e.g. how to style, how it’s made, meet the maker)

72% of UK consumers say they’re more likely to shop with brands that offer experiences, not just transactions.

7. Use Local Posters and Community Boards

This old-school tactic still works especially in towns or smaller communities.

Put flyers, posters, or postcards in:

• Independent cafés

• Hair salons and beauty clinics

• Community centres, yoga studios, kids' activity venues

Include a bold hook that speaks to your ideal customer, your shop address, and a time-sensitive reason to visit (like “Free gift this week only”).

8. Email Your List With a “Come In” Incentive

Most shop owners have email lists collecting dust.

Reignite them with:

• A VIP in-store invitation

• A limited-time reward (e.g. “Show this email in store and receive X”)

• A story that reminds them why they loved visiting you

Email marketing still drives one of the highest ROI for retail especially when it’s personal, not pushy.

9. Create a Local-Only Offer

Offer something that’s only available if they walk through your door.

Examples:

• Local loyalty cards or punch cards

• A free mini gift or coupon from a neighbouring business

• A small freebie with proof of postcode 

This builds local love and gives people a reason to choose you over a chain.

10. Audit Your First Impression or Get an Expert One

Sometimes, the problem isn’t marketing, it’s what happens when people do visit.

If customers come in but leave without buying, your store layout, team energy, or signage could be holding you back.

✅ Do a walkthrough as if you were a new visitor
✅ Ask 2 friends who haven’t visited in months to give honest feedback
✅ Or better yet book a Retail Store Breakthrough and get expert, personalised feedback

Want to Fill Your Shop Without Guessing?

The Retail Store Breakthrough is a high-impact, 1:1 in-store or virtual audit designed to help you:

✅ Attract more footfall
✅ Turn visitors into buyers
✅ Fix the blocks that are stopping sales

Together, we’ll walk through your shop, uncover missed opportunities, and build a focused action plan tailored to your business.

Book your FREE discovery call here

Let’s make your shop unmissable.

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.

How Samuel Can Help You