Recent events have brought a fresh wave of attention to the downtown area, drawing more visitors and highlighting Shreveport. With this increased visibility, it’s more important than ever to make your storefront as inviting as possible. Your storefront serves as the face of your business, and a welcoming, eye-catching exterior can be the key to turning these new visitors into loyal customers. Here are some simple yet effective tips to help maximize your storefront and boost traffic, ensuring you make the most of this renewed interest in our downtown area.
Tailor Your Display to the Event
When there’s a festival, parade, or community gathering, tailor your window display to match the event’s theme. Use colors, props, and signage that resonate with the event’s theme—like incorporating red, white, and blue for a Fourth of July parade or adding musical notes for a music festival. Consider themed props like pumpkins for Halloween or guitars for music events, and create event-specific signage to highlight related products or specials.
Offer Event-Specific Promotions
Promote special deals that align with the event to attract more pedestrian traffic. For instance, if there’s a local arts festival, offer a limited-time discount on art supplies or feature a themed product like custom-designed tote bags. Use signs or chalkboards outside your store to clearly announce these offers—like “20% Off All Art Supplies for Arts Festival Attendees!” or “Exclusive Event-Themed Tote Bags Inside!” This can catch the eye of event-goers and entice them to stop by, turning their interest in the event into a visit to your store.
Engage with the Crowd
Consider setting up a small display or activity right outside your store to engage passersby and draw them in. For example, you could hand out free samples of your products, set up a quick game or raffle with small prizes, or play some lively music to create an inviting atmosphere. If there’s a local food festival, offering taste samples of your best items or a cooking demonstration can attract food enthusiasts. For a community event, a simple photo booth with fun props can create a buzz and encourage people to step inside to learn more. These activities not only grab attention but also create a fun, welcoming feeling that makes people more likely to visit your store.
By tapping into the energy of local events, you can turn your storefront into a hub of activity, attracting more traffic and turning event attendees into loyal customers. But don’t stop because the event is over. Everyday is a new day to meet new customers. So, get creative, have fun with it, here are a few things to keep in mind when updating your display during non-event times.
Create Eye-Catching Window Displays
Your window display is like your business’s handshake—it’s your first chance to make a great impression. Show off your best products, seasonal specials, or something fun and quirky that really captures your brand’s personality. Keep things fresh by changing up your display regularly to catch the eye of people passing by. And don’t forget the basics: bright lighting and sparkling clean windows make all the difference in making sure your display really shines.
Invest in Clear and Attractive Signage
Good signage is like a friendly wave to potential customers. Make sure your business name, hours, and any special promotions are easy to see and read from the street. If your signage is looking a bit tired, it might be time for an update with something bold and modern that grabs attention. Remember, your signage should reflect your brand—when people see it, they should instantly know it’s you. Keeping your branding consistent across your signage helps build recognition and trust..
Make Your Entryway Welcoming
The entrance to your store should feel like an open invitation. Simple touches like a clean, well-maintained doorway, fresh plants, or a cheerful doormat can make a big difference. An inviting entryway encourages people to step inside and explore.
The DDA can help you with implementing these tips. You can contact the office at 318-222-7403 to learn more.
