Why Are My Retail Sales So Low?

Many independent retailers across the UK are struggling with declining footfall, poor sales, and a lack of customer engagement.

If you're wondering,

“Why are my retail sales down?”

In this post, we’ll cover the most common reasons why small shops and local stores aren’t hitting their sales targets and more importantly, how to fix them.

These practical retail tips will help you increase visibility, attract more customers, and improve in-store conversions without discounting your products.

1. You’ve Lost Visibility, and You Don’t Even Know It

If people aren't walking in, it’s likely because they don’t know you’re there.

Harsh? Maybe. True? Absolutely.

Stats show 80% of UK consumers research online before visiting a physical store, yet most independent retailers are posting inconsistently, don't optimise their google business profile and are relying on old signage, hoping repeat customers will “just pop back in.”

Fix this:

• Update your window displays every 2 weeks to stay relevant and add movement

• Run a local awareness post on Instagram or Facebook once per week

• Partner with nearby businesses to cross-promote foot traffic

👉 Your store should be unmissable, online and in person.

2. You’re Relying on Repeat Customers, But You’re Not Nurturing Them

Repeat business is the easiest way to grow retail profits yet many shops unknowingly ignore them.

If your last Instagram DM from a customer was months ago, or your mailing list hasn’t had a send in weeks… that’s costing you sales.

Fix this:

• Send a weekly email (yes weekly!) with new arrivals, personal updates, and customer features... Think 70% nurture / 30% sales.

• Offer VIP early access to launches or special events

• Create a simple loyalty program

Nurtured customers spend 67% more than new ones.

3. Your In-Store Experience Isn’t Converting Visitors into Buyers

It’s not just about getting people through the door, it’s about what happens once they walk in.

You might be losing sales because of:

• Confusing layout

• Poor signage

• Lack of welcome or interaction

• No obvious “hero product” or standout offer (not discount)

Fix this:

• Have a clear focal display near the entrance that solves your ideal customers biggest problem or frustration

• Greet everyone within 5 seconds (yes, even browsers)

• Place your most profitable product at eye level

Studies show eye-level placement can increase product sales by up to 35%.

4. You’ve Discounted Your Way Into a Corner

Running constant sales might feel like the only option, but it conditions customers to wait for the next markdown... Meaning you'll always struggle to sell anything at full price. 

Fix this:

• Position products based on value, not price

• Introduce bundles or gift sets instead of discounts

• Share the story behind your products to build perceived value

Remember: Shoppers don’t always want cheap, they great value & meaning.

5. Your Messaging Doesn’t Speak to Today’s Customers

When your content, website and marketing feels generic or uninspired, it gets ignored, simple as that.

Fix this:

• Use language that speaks directly to your ideal customer’s lifestyle, values, problems, frustrations or aspirations.

• Drop phrases like “New In” and “We’re Open” and replace them with emotion-driven headlines

• Show your face, your team, your behind-the-scenes... realness sells.

Brands with authentic marketing see up to 2.4x more engagement.

6. You Don’t Have a Plan, You’re Just Reacting

Feeling stuck? It’s often because you’re working hard but not working smart.

If your week looks like:
restock shelves → tidy up → post something quick on Instagram...

…you’re not running your store, it’s running you.

Fix this:

• Set weekly goals: 1 attraction, 1 nurture, 1 sales action

• Create a 90-day visibility and revenue plan

• Block time weekly to review your numbers + strategy

Without direction, even the busiest retailers get lost.

7. You Haven’t Had a Fresh Perspective in Months (or Years)

When you’re in your shop every day, it’s hard to see what’s really going wrong because you are so close to the action.

That’s where a fresh pair of expert eyes makes all the difference and why so many retailers book a Retail Store Breakthrough.

Ready to Fix What’s Not Working and Finally Boost Sales?

If you’re nodding along to any of these 7 points, you’re exactly who I created the Retail Store Breakthrough for.

It’s a one-to-one, real-world experience where we:

✔️ Walk your store together (virtually or in person)
✔️ Audit your layout, signage, customer journey, and messaging
✔️ Identify the things costing you sales daily
✔️ Create a tailored, practical action plan to turn things around, fast

This is not a course or a webinar. It’s me and you, getting to the root of your retail businesses sales problems and fixing them with clarity and confidence.

👉 Book your Free Discovery Call Now

Spots are limited because unlike the big agencies, this is personal.

Don’t keep guessing. 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