All businesses face challenges along the way, whether you’re just starting out, or you’ve been impacted by the economic climate. To move forward, taking your company to the next level, it’s crucial to find ways of increasing sales and attracting customers.
One of the best strategies is to upgrade your shop front design to create an eye-catching exterior that will turn passers-by into customers. There are many benefits to glass shopfronts that can help put you on the road to success.
© CAS Shopfronts
Is it true that first impressions count?
Research by the Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services reveals a well-designed and attractive shopfront makes passers-by five times more likely to enter the store on impulse. Judging by these statistics, a stand-out shopfront is a very wise investment!
Inviting for both new and existing customers, it creates a good first impression. Consumers will often stroll along the high street, checking out the exteriors of retail premises and waiting for something interesting to catch their eye. If your store doesn’t have a eye-catching shopfront installation, you could be missing out on prospective new clients.
Better product visibility
Glass shop fronts give a clear view of the shop’s interior. A good window display showing your products clearly, in a good light, increases sales by an average of 24%, according to research by NPD Group.
When you design a great shopfront, it can engage shoppers and cause them to stop and take a look. If they can see a good selection of products that look appealing, they are likely to enter your store. Once inside, your floor staff can help to close the sale.
Take good care of the glass to make sure it maintains its beauty. Clean it regularly and if you spot any scratches, call in the professionals to repair them quickly.
Security
A toughened glass shop front can also provide security for your premises, without negatively impacting the look of your window display. Glass professionals will install a type of safety glass to keep your premises safe, without interfering with your window display.
Toughened glass is five times stronger than regular glass on average. A frameless shop front is particularly low maintenance. You won’t need to worry about polish or making it waterproof. As long as it’s cleaned regularly and any chips are repaired, it can last for years.
A glazed shop front is made of the toughest glass on the market and can be more aesthetically pleasing than aluminium or plain glass alternatives. It can appear more inviting, which is an important factor, since 52% of consumers say that if the exterior of a shop looks inviting, they’re likely to go in and take a look at what’s on offer.
A glass or glazed shop front creates a transparency between the business and customers that is impossible to replicate.
Strengthens branding
Branding is an important part of your business strategy. Your logo, shop window display and the colours used for the shop front must provide instant recognition for your brand and products.
Including your theme, colours, logo, slogan and recognisable design on the glass can let customers know right away what to expect. A passer-by should be able to easily spot your shop on the high street with clever branding.
Not only does branding make a memorable impression on consumers, but it also means they know what to expect when they spend money with your company. Having an appropriately branded shopfront distinguishes you from your competitors and reminds customers why you’re the perfect choice.
Improves disabled access
Your premises must offer accessibility for people with disabilities. The Disability Discrimination Act of 1995 makes it mandatory for all retail establishments, service providers and public buildings to provide access for disabled people.
As a retailer, following the law means you’re contributing to a fairer society, where everyone has the same access to services. Designing your shopfront so it’s appealing and accessible to all means much more than complying with the law.
Expanding your customer base to include wheelchair users will bring its own financial rewards. Known as the “Purple Pound”, the spending power of disabled people in the UK totals an estimated £274 billion per year. You can’t afford to miss out on this massive group of consumers.
Positive health benefits
Glass shop fronts have positive benefits for staff and customers, enhancing their mood with the help of natural light and fresh air circulation.
Walls can make your interior space appear smaller and dull. This is a drawback, especially if your premises are already compact. A frameless shop front and mirrors can give the illusion of a more airy, larger space, especially with natural light flooding in.
Research has shown that employees working in natural light feel happier and more energised. There are proven connections between natural light and Vitamin D. Studies have shown how Vitamin D can promote better health in many ways, including combating depression. Health experts agree the best way of absorbing this vital vitamin is through natural light.
Just as staff would prefer to work in a bright and airy environment, as opposed to being under the glare of artificial lights, customers will also enjoy their shopping experience a whole lot more in a store with a glass shop front, that connects seamlessly with the outdoors.
Increase the value of the property
Upgrading your shop front with glass can significantly increase the value of the property. Business owners who plan to sell in the future should understand the benefits of making their premises as aesthetically pleasing as possible. When the time comes to sell, you can market your assets more effectively to attract potential buyers and achieve a greater price for your property.
Our team of engineering experts design, handcraft and install high-quality, bespoke storefronts for commercial clients across the UK. Please contact us for further information on the different types of shop fronts, that can bring a host of positives to your business endeavours.