CURB APPEAL 101

What does it do?
  • Establishes your identity
  • Make city streets a more inviting and interesting place to walk and shop.
  • Increase Business
  • Attract Customers
  • Help building owners attract and retain tenants.
  • Build civic pride among the local business community.
  • Contribute to the quality of life of residents, workers and visitors
Design Elements:
  • Signage - Flat panel, decals on windows, illuminated,
  • Awnings, use awning as sign, lighting.
  • Architectural Features
  • Window Displays
  • Color
  • Lighting
  • Public Amenities
  • Fixing up upstairs windows.  If empty, simply slip in a panel of people shaped silhouette decaled coroplast.

PUT OUT THE WELCOME MAT

Here is another installment of 'Curb Appeal 101' to help you get ready for summer visitors!

Sell It! In-store layout and signage are a science unto themselves. Did you know that most people are right-handed and naturally go to the right when entering a store. Put your high-margin items there to get customers touching them. Speaking of touching, did you know customers are more likely to buy something if they touch it? 

Keep It Clear! Inside your store, can people easily find what they need? Are sections of the store marked so they can see where to go? Is in-store signage, such as prices and sale items, clear and easy to read? Check out Your Dollar Store with More - they have done a great job of in-store signage!
When people enter your store are they greeted immediately? Does someone look up and smile at them? Have someone your staff doesn't know try it and report back. 

Check It Out! You enticed customers into your store and now they are ready to purchase something. Is the line to wait clearly marked so shoppers don't waste time? Do staff acknowledge people waiting in line? Just quick eye contact, a smile and "Thanks for your patience. We'll be right with you" can make all the difference. Do you place tempting impulse buys near the register to entertain customers and make more sales?
Now the sale is complete and you have another satisfied customer, encourage them to post a comment on Google, Facebook or Trip Advisor. All offer opportunities to share positive experiences with future customers! 

Create an Experience!
When someone enters your store does it feel inviting? Are there pleasant sounds & smells?  Adding sensory attributes can encourage  customers  to relax, stay a while - and spend money.
There doesn't need to be a major holiday for you to have a store event! You can create your own event or hold an open house anytime during the summer months. You just have to make it your own special occasion and get the word out through word of mouth, social and traditional media and signage.
Promote a specific item or service of yours then depending on what the item or service is, customers could sample or test it out in your store and offer some refreshments - food is a great incentive! Don't forget a draw and some music and you have an occasion!

If there was an emergency in your business, would the Public Works crew or First Responders be able to find your business quickly?  Please take a minute to ensure your physical address is visible from the street.
Remember - dispatch will often give the physical address not the name of your business when sending help.

ATTRACT NEW CUSTOMERS

Improve the exterior appearance, design and function of a building by:
  • Exposing unique architectural details that have been hidden by previous attempts to modernize the façade.
  • Improving the interior view of shops and restaurants through the use of clear glass and storefront designs that make use of window display areas.
  • Coordinating façade improvements and awnings with neighbouring buildings and the unique character of the neighbourhood business area.
  • Adding visual interest and variety at the sidewalk level by emphasizing active storefronts and orienting windows and doorways to the street.
  • Undertaking general cleaning of the building exterior by repainting faded and peeling paint, repairing damaged areas of the façade and restoring unique architectural features.