How to Get More People Into Your Store

Ever look out onto the high street and wonder why some shops have a steady stream of customers, while yours feels quiet?

It’s not luck. It’s not location. It’s strategy.

The truth is,you don’t need a big budget or viral TikTok to get more people into your store. You just need a smarter plan and consistency.

Below are 7 practical, low-cost ways to increase footfall and make your shop a go-to destination.

Want a tailored plan for your retail store?

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1. Refresh Your Windows Every Single Week

Your windows are your billboards. If they look the same week after week, people will walk straight past without noticing you.

Tip: Use strong, bold themes. Create a story or feeling and add movement! 

Example: One of my clients switched from generic displays to a rotating theme of seasonal windows tied to trending colours and key customer problems and saw walk-ins jump 38% in a month.

 Related Content: 10 Surprising Ways to Grow Your Retail Business

2. Use a ‘Local Hook’ in Your Displays

Celebrate your neighbourhood! Create displays that feature local events, school holidays, community causes, or regional pride.

Tip: People love seeing themselves and their community reflected in your store.

3. Offer In-Store-Only Exclusives

Why should someone step inside your store today?

Give them a reason like:

• Limited editions only available in-store

• Free gift with purchase

• Hidden promo codes only visible inside

Tip: Promote these on Instagram Stories and in your email list with captions like “only available if you visit before Saturday!”

Bonus: Add signage outside: “Come in today for a free mystery treat with every purchase.” That curiosity builds footfall fast.

 Related Content: How to Turn Browsers into Buyers

4. Partner With Other Local Businesses

Collaboration beats competition. Team up with neighbouring shops to:

• Cross-promote on social media

• Create joint window trails

• Host a mini market or launch night

Example: A florist and gift shop ran a “Galentines Walk” where each store offered a mini gift and drink, they both saw a 2.5x increase in visitors that weekend.

So consider what stores are around you that target a similar audience and think outside the box to create something that your customers will love!

Related Content: How to Get More Customers in your Shop

5. Run Micro Events or Mini Masterclasses

Turn your shop into a destination.

• Invite customers to styling demos, craft workshops, or tasting sessions

• Keep it informal, intimate, and social-media-worthy

Ideas by Niche:

• Fashion: How to style a capsule wardrobe

• Home décor: “5 ways to refresh your living room” demo

• Kids boutique: Storytime & sensory play

Tip: Take photos of every event. Share them as posts and in Reels to build FOMO and future footfall.

 6. Maximise Your Google Business Profile

This is your most powerful free visibility tool and most retailers don’t use it properly.

Checklist:

• Add photos weekly (your shop, displays, events)

• Reply to every review within 24 hours

• Post updates weekly: events, promotions, or bestsellers

• Make sure your hours, contact info, and links are up-to-date

Bonus Tip: Encourage happy customers to leave a review on the spot using a QR code at the till.

Related Content: How to Get Your Shop to #1 on Google

7. Use Curiosity to Your Advantage

Try putting something surprising, cheeky or unexpected just inside your door:

• A spinning wheel for offers

• A funny quote board (“You look like you need a treat… come in!”)

• A photo op or free sample table

Why it works: Our brains are wired to resolve curiosity. If there’s something unclear or playful happening just inside more people will walk in just to see.

Footfall Isn’t About Shouting Louder, It’s About Showing Up Better

You don’t need gimmicks, discounts, or ads to increase foot traffic. You need a reason and a rhythm.

Start with one of these strategies this week. Take photos. Track the difference. Then keep going.

Here’s your quick-action checklist:

✅ Refresh your windows
✅ Promote an in-store exclusive
✅ Post something new on your Google profile
✅ Invite another business to collaborate
✅ Try one mini event before the end of the month

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. 

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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