6 Methods Smart Storefronts Use To Prevent No-Purchase Walkouts

Photo by Anna Shvets: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-yellow-tshirt-and-beige-jacket-holding-a-fruit-stand-3962285/

Have you ever walked into a store, looked around for something you needed, failed to find it, and then walked out without buying anything? There’s a strange feeling of guilt that comes over us, or even worry that someone will think we’re shoplifting. But of course, that’s a totally spurious fear, and we laugh about it afterwards.

Well, the truth is that stores are often designed, not just in utility but suggestive design, to try and influence you to buy something. A shop is a place to buy products or services in, of course, which means leaving the building without doing not done that can feel odd. However, it’s often a failing on the part of the business if you don’t buy.

A lack of items you need could point to a marketing, procurement or pricing issue. As such, even if you were only browsing, companies always try to look for the smaller flaws in their process, if only so they can beat it.

With that in mind, let’s consider how the smart storefronts (chain and otherwise) try to prevent those no-purchase walkouts:

Directive Signage

Your signs can guide someone towards a decision instead of just shouting promotions at them. The better stores know this, so they’ll take the time to use clear, well-placed signage that doesn’t just show what something is, but why it’s there or how it might fit into someone’s plans. So if you walk into a supermarket for instance, they might show they have a promotion on wines if you buy three bottles, which works well if you’re close to a weekend or holiday. They can also guide and push people around or forward.

Moreover, customers feel that instead of drifting between shelves, not knowing where to go, they can be pleasantly nudged toward certain sections and told what they might find. For instance, if they’re by the prepackaged bread, a friendly sign pointing towards your in-store bakery for fresh loaves might be better.

Staff Presence

Helpful, friendly staff are so important, as when they’re visible, clearly working and ready to help without hovering or forcing interaction, it gives off a quiet sense of attentiveness. Shoppers like thai because it tells them this place is alive, that it’s looked after, and that someone would notice if something wasn’t right. 

For example, if they need a direction, they might ask for it instead of walking out. That works even better if they can give personalized buying advice without trying to upsell everything. You can check out these types of POS systems to see how that personal touch can also convert a sales opportunity right then and there.

Navigable Layouts

Shops often feel more inviting when the space guides people along on clear paths with a bit of breathing room. That also means designing corners that open into displays as opposed to stopping suddenly, and shelves that aren’t overstuffed but clearly labelled with categories. All of that makes the experience more comfortable and products will be more identificable.

In some stores, the most usual items are placed just far enough in that someone will pass by a few displays on the way – so if you ever wondered why break or milk was deeper into the store than right at the start, that’s why. Such a slight detour often works better than signs asking people to browse. A layout like this also helps people keep moving without needing to think too hard about where to go next.

Rotating Stock Where Suitable

The products on display will usually land better when they reflect what people are dealing with that week or that month. Not everything has to match perfectly, but when items belong in the same season, situation, or headspace, the whole space feels more considered. As we know by the too-soon displays for Halloween in early September or even late August.

Moreover, late summer might bring out garden cushions next to citronella candles in one aisle, while fresh herbs and chilled white wine sit side by side in another. The link between them is quiet that way, but clear enough that it draws the eye and encourages more than one purchase These little arrangements often feel more helpful than a huge shelf packed full of separate ideas, so even if someone came in to check for one unavailable product, they may buy another.

Well-Positioned Lighting

Shops often carry the mood of their lighting, as a soft, consistent tone will generally help to calm the space and bring focus to whatever’s in front of someone. 

You’ll often see that fresh produce will look richer under a warm, steady light. So do books, crafts, fabric, or anything with colour and texture. Some shops keep their brightest areas near focal displays and let the rest of the store stay more relaxed, but if it can direct you or make you feel comforted in it, then that works just fine.

Loyalty Schemes

The value of having individuals on your loyalty scheme program is often that they allow customers to return to you for convenience and the buildup of their points or rewards. So the aforementioned shopper who comes in to see what’s available may not find it that day, but may find it worthwhile to come in tomorrow, or ask you to put an order in, instead of going online or simply walking out to a competitor.

That’s especially true if they can be sure of a certain discount or addition to their reward profile thanks to the purchase. Yes, it’s almost like you’re sweetening the pot a little by giving them something extra, but shoppers are quite shrewd about deals and promotions, and so if they figure they can save just as much money with you than by going to a competitor, they may not worry about a smaller issue like lack of stock. They’re certain to come and buy from your first though, especially if you have flattering terms.

With this advice, we hope you can more easily use your storefront to prevent no purchase walkouts.