In the summer of 2021, high streets across the country reopened, with what have been decreed non-essential retail businesses reopening their doors for the first time in months. This activity had an expectedly brilliant effect on both shoppers and businesses alike, with initial footfall figures being an estimated 87.8% higher week-on-week.
This return was been focused on, what some analysts and journalists are referring to as, revenge purchases. This concept centres around the expenditure customers have been wanting to make for some time, treating themselves to those high street purchases that have been denied to them over the previous year. Experts are already referring to this as proof that brick and mortar retail remains an essential part of the economy. The key focus for retailers across the country now is the sustain this demand for as long as possible.
To achieve this, store owners must scrutinise their products, services, and concepts with more consideration than ever before, ensuring that their offering on the high street is deeply valued by the public and likely to draw in high levels of custom on a continued basis.
Visual Appeal
Being present on a high street necessitates not only having a valued product but being a welcome sight to locals and visitors alike. Should the visual appeal of your retail concept deteriorate or be neglected, your standing on the high street is likely to wane. It is important that your brand and appearance are expertly and creatively represented throughout your shop.
We continue to support a wide range of retailers across the UK with their shop furniture and shelving needs. Our catalogue offers all essential items and in a variety of styles and materials. This allows our customers to control every aspect of their retail experience, ensuring its professional and considered aesthetic.
Efficient Experience
In addition to good looks, customers place great value on the efficiency and ease of their shopping experience, making it drastically important for retailers to design a shopping experience that caters to such browsing and checkout needs. This is made all the more important (and complicated) by the residual concerns of COVID-19, prompting customers to seek out stores with more accommodating spaces.
Ensure that your store is simple to navigate and allows for customers to spend time perusing your wares without concern of overly close contact with others shoppers. Shop fittings and displays should cater to efficacy and navigation, guiding customers through the shopping experience and to the checkout without any stress.
Dedicated Service
Separating your store from the competition of e-commerce means delivering an expert, human approach to your store. No matter what interaction your retail concept hosts, whether a simple greeting or a traditional checkout experience, it remains crucial that this is offered to customers with appropriate enthusiasm.
As Catherine Shuttleworth, of the retail agency, Savvy, notes, many customers are bored of the impersonal and limited experience of shopping online. Now, when customers are flocking once more to the high streets, and with money to spend, retailers must ensure they are going the extra mile with their customer service.
