What can retailers do to revamp their stores after the lockdown has ended?

Unless you operate a grocery store or other essential business, it's likely that the offline strands of the company are off-limits. However, the lockdown will be relaxed before we know it.

Consumers are likely to flock to bricks and mortar stores once the opportunity to do this safely has returned. So, this is the perfect time to revamp your store. Before making any amendments, though, it's important to build an effective strategy. Here's how you can transform your store for the better.

#1. Invest in new shop signs 

The first challenge facing any SME in the post-coronavirus era revolves around getting people back into the store. After all, you won't convert any sales if nobody steps through the door.

A new LED storefront sign can work wonders for the immediate attraction of your store. Whether hoping to stand out on the high street, in the shopping centre, or at a retail park doesn't matter. Bright lights and a bold design will inevitably capture the attention. Thanks to modern tech, it's also possible to choose external signage that offers the ability to change the colour or message displayed.

Depending on the location of the store, other marketing materials, such as inflatable air tube men. You can also increase visibility and awareness through online activities. Social media and, crucially, a strong local SEO presence will work wonders. With many businesses set to close, consumers will turn to Google to discover which brands are open. When yours appears at the top, the hopes of success gain an instant boost.

#2. Introduce modern PoS terminals

Convenience is an integral aspect of the consumer experience. When added to the fact that people are impressed by modern tech, this is the perfect time to introduce modern PoS terminals.

Mobile PoS terminals are the ideal investment for shops wanting to offer a flexible and personalised service. Sales employees can take the transaction to the customer, making life far simpler for them. You can also follow in the footsteps of the supermarkets by increasing the contactless payment limit. Incorporating Apple Pay and digital payments will have a positive impact too.

Ultimately, your goal is to remove any potential barriers that could potentially stop you from gaining a sale. If a consumer has to leave the shop to withdraw cash or change payment method, there's a strong chance they won't return. The modern payment systems can also support the concept of preventing large lines around a traditional till, as well as the need to handle cash. 

#3. Reorganise and redesign

Appearances count for everything in business, especially for bricks and mortar stores. A considered, modern approach to interior design can attract more visitors while also keeping them inside for longer.

First and foremost, you need to generate the wow factor. Digital LCD screens and window displays are very good options to showcase products, reviews, and more. With the best large format printers, you can use large posters to decorate walls and plinths. Whether celebrating a seasonal trend or a timed promo, combining digital and printed marketing tools is an ideal combo.

Organising the shop floor in a more practical manner is vital too. Some customers have mobility issues, while most people will want to avoid crowds while Covid-19 lingers. Wider aisles, one way systems, and other tools can work well. Live stock checkers allow you to store the majority of products in the storeroom, causing less strain in the shop floor. If all else fails, a mezzanine floor transforms the space.

#4. Go green

The incentives for creating an eco-friendly shop environment are plentiful. The list includes better first impressions, improved staff responses, and increased cost-efficiency. So, a better bottomline.

Creating a green working environment is closely linked to the concepts of using modern tech and redesigning the space. Switching to efficient LED lighting is an ideal starting point. Encouraging more natural lighting and using lighter colour schemes can affect a consumer's state of mind. In turn, it can increase their likelihood of converting as well as the amount of money they may be willing to spend.

In today's climate, eco-friendly packaging and a conscious effort to reduce plastic usage or water waste can aid the cause. Improving the staff and customer restroom facilities is another wise move that can reduce energy bills in the long run. Most of the changes will be noticed, and it'll give clients another reason to stay loyal to your company. If nothing else, it can strengthen the bond you share.

#5. Integrate virtual and augmented reality

Not all upgrades and revamps require modern tech. However, you'd be very naive to think that clients don't want to be wowed by those features. Both VR and AR can transform the vibe inside your shop.

Whether using virtual reality or augmented reality, it's an opportunity to give new insight to clients. They can test out new clothes, hairstyles, glasses, and products in the digital arena before making a decision. It saves time and money for the business while promoting a personalised user experience. The added sense of value and care can truly set your brand out from the competition. It saves floor space too.

The idea of incorporating tech features like this shouldn't be limited to the shopping experience. Using digital tech to transform the floors into interactive games can keep kids occupied when waiting for meetings or queues. Meanwhile, headsets and other gaming devices can give consumers another reason to enter your shop. Once inside, sales should improve.

#6. Strengthen your team

People certainly miss their friends and families more than in-store staff. Nonetheless, there is no doubt that the resumption of human interactions will have a big role to play once the lockdown is ended.

Companies that go the extra mile to facilitate better human interactions will thrive over the months to come. The best staff training to help employees to use new PoS terminals and tech features in an effective way should be top of the agenda. However, it's important to invest in their people skills too, as well as the cohesion and collaboration of the team. Consumers can notice animosity, and it makes them feel awkward.

This is actually one aspect of the venture that can be improved before the doors open. Whether it's through interactive online learning or through Zoom calls is up to you. Either way, individual and collective upgrades are vital. On a similar note, you must try to encourage improved relations between shop floor employees and other departments. Teamwork makes the dream work while also promoting easier management.

#7. Organise events

Promotional events can be a great way to secure a short-term sales boost, followed by increased long-term awareness. This translates to an improved bottomline, which is why you should use them ASAP.

Attending a trade show can be a great option to get more sales from outside audiences. However, organising a promotional day is the best way to succeed in the local market. You can design posters and graphics for the day itself while also building games and promotional gifts. It can help build a huge level of excitement in the local area and creates a mental link between your brand and value.

Customers will be eager to experience human interactions after lockdown, but you will need to be responsible. Employing some social distancing while keeping spaces clean will be vital. Still, when you get it right, organised events will bring new clients through the door. Crucially, it can restore the connection shared with old customers. The road to sustained success awaits.