Designing Your Small Business Storefront

Designing Your Small Business Storefront: Four Great Features to Include

Online shopping may be on the rise, but a well-established brick-and-mortar storefront can do quite a bit for a business. Not only does it provide an excellent level of local limelight and free advertising for the company, it also gives customers that would like face-to-face interaction a place to speak with employees and even test products. Here is a look at four must-have features that every storefront needs.

 

A Point of Sale Program

Point of sale hardware and software is one of the best additions any business owner can provide for their storefront. The hardware can connect to almost any mobile device and software is ergonomic enough to be used by any employee. In addition to making the sales easier, these programs can simultaneously track inventory, chart sales, and create a wide variety of metrics to study.

 

Testing Lounge

Outside of a few specific industries, almost any business will benefit from a small lounge to test or simply see the company’s products. This area does not need to be either grandiose or expensive and should instead emphasize the products and the user experience. With a few key product placements and ever-changing displays, this area could improve crossover sales dramatically.

 

Security System

While many of the features for a storefront are designed to make the experience as pleasant as possible for the customers, a security system is an absolute must. Luckily, modern systems are exceptionally unobtrusive while still able cut down on losses. According to a Paradise security specialist from Babb Lock & Safe Co Ltd, these systems can often be remotely controlled through a Wi-Fi connection.

 

An Inviting Waiting Area

There are few things that will turn a customer off to a business as much as a second-rate waiting area. From restaurants and medical offices to oil changing stations and financial institutions, this area is often one of the first impressions a client will have of the company. A little extra time and money should be spent to find comfortable seating, a simple form of entertainment, and some basic amenities. This is also one of the best areas to showcase any awards that the business has won, a place to store information on the company, and the perfect opportunity to display a few key products or services.

The benefits of a powerful online presence can never be overstated, but a unique and inviting storefront will be just as important for most businesses. A few minor changes and features may be all that is needed to improve sales and maintain a good retention rate.