First Impressions Matter: How Clean Is Your Shopfront?

16

Sep

Posted by: Admin

It takes less than seven seconds for a passerby to form an impression of your store.

Before a customer reads your sign, checks your prices, or speaks to one of your sales team, they have already made a judgement about your business. In the retail world, impressions are not made in the aisles, it happens outside on the pavement. Your shopfront is the cover of your business book and if it's neglected and dirty, potential customers are going to walk right past.

What Does a Dirty Exterior Say to Shoppers?

Dusty windows, stained entrance glass, and cobwebs on your door frames are not only untidy. These communicate to potential customers. When your shopfront is dirty, it sends a message that shows a lack of professionalism and attention to detail.

It's a fact that customers create a direct link between the exterior of your business and the quality of your goods or services:

• “They don't care about their windows, do they care about hygiene?”
• “The products must be low quality if the outside is so neglected.”
• “Is this store struggling?”

A clean shopfront builds instant trust. Customers form impressions subconsciously and when your shopfront is pristine, it shows your store is professional, taking pride in operations, while paying attention to detail.

Areas Most Missed by Business Owners

In order to ensure your shopfront is clean, you need to do a lot more than simply running a squeegee across the front window every couple of weeks. In order to create an inviting space, you need to took at your shopfront through they eyes of a first-time customer, paying attention to the most commonly overlooked areas:

• Display and Glass Windows – look for fingerprints, smudges, and rain spots that obscure display items, making your store look dark and uninviting. These areas should be streak-free, allowing natural light to flow into your shore, ensuring your merchandise is on full display
• Door Handles and Thresholds – this is the first physical touch point any customer has with your store. If your door handles are sticky or your entry mats are dirty, it creates a sense of discomfort
• Signage – Dust, bird droppings, and faded awnings all reduce your store's curb appeal. If your business name is covered in dirt and grime, your identity will suffer
• Pavement and Entryways – Litter and grease stains on the ground negatively impact your entrance, no matter how clean your store is inside.

The Financial Reward of a Clean Shopfront

When you invest your time and resources into maintaining your shopfront, it shouldn't be seen as an operational expense, but rather a driver of revenue. A pristine exterior is a passive marketing tool that works for you every day of the year. It increases your brand image, ensuring your displays are seen, while justifying your prices.

Conclusion

Keeping your exterior spotless requires consistency. At Sloane Cleaning Services, we recommend you create a quick exterior audit when opening your store. Get a team member to walk across the street, looking back at your store, seeing what needs to be done to make it clean and inviting. If you are struggling to keep your shopfront spotless, contact the Sloane Cleaning Services team today for a free, no obligation quote.