Attracting new customers to your brick-and-mortar shop

Attracting new customers to your shop is key, and it's more than just advertising or posting on social—it’s about creating experiences that give people a reason to walk through your door. Here’s a rundown of some of our favourite ways to engage new customers and keep them coming back.

1. Ensure Customers Can Find Your Store Online

Before customers can visit your store, they need to know it exists. First impressions often happen online, so make sure you’re covering the basics. Have you claimed your business on Google? Do you have an up-to-date website or social media presence? These might seem like small steps but play a huge role in customer discovery.

On your website or Google listing, include key information: your address, hours, contact details, and what makes you unique. Customers looking for local shops often go to Google first—make sure your business is there to be found.

Suggested: Sign up for your Google Business account to manage your business profile listing in Maps and search.

2. Host In-Store Cultural Experiences Like Music, Film, or Art Shows

If you want to stand out from the crowd, hosting in-store events can be a game-changer. Imagine a local coffee shop that doubles as an open-mic venue on weekends or a vintage store that hosts art shows every first Friday. These events give people more reason to visit and make your shop a hub in the community.

Concerts, art shows, and even pop-up events allow customers to interact with your space in a unique way. Plus, events are a great way to make a splash on social media, reaching an even broader audience.

Suggested: Luma is a fantastic tool for hosting events, tracking RSVPs, and selling tickets.

3. Educate Through Workshops, Talks, Classes, or Tastings

Hosting educational events lets you share knowledge while inviting new customers into your space. If you’re a bakery, consider hosting a baking workshop; if you run a bookstore, how about a guest speaker or book signing? These events attract a mix of regulars and new customers who may not have visited otherwise.

Tastings or classes also give you the opportunity to showcase what makes your shop unique. Customers are more likely to return after a memorable experience, so don’t shy away from getting creative with your offerings.

4. Monitor and Engage with Online Reviews

Online reviews can make or break a business, especially for brick-and-mortar shops. Take the time to check platforms like Google, Yelp, and Facebook for customer feedback. Respond to reviews promptly—thank customers for positive feedback and address any negative reviews constructively.

Showing that you care about feedback builds trust with customers, and a well-handled response can even turn a bad experience into a positive one. Engaging with reviews shows that you’re paying attention, which can go a long way in building a solid reputation.

Suggested: Claim your business accounts on Yelp, Facebook, and Google so you can ensure you’re responding to and addressing feedback.

5. Offer In-Store-Only Promotions

Exclusive, in-store promotions create urgency and give customers a reason to visit in person. These could be flash sales, limited-time discounts, or bundle offers only available on-site. If customers know they can get a better deal by visiting, they’re more likely to make the trip.

It’s also an effective way to combat the “just browsing” online mentality. Customers in your store are more likely to buy, especially if they know they’re getting something they couldn’t get online.

6. Set Up an Effective Loyalty Program (Stamp Cards!)

Loyalty programs are a great way to reward frequent customers and keep them coming back. A simple digital stamp card program can make customers feel recognized and appreciated, and it’s easier to manage than a bunch of paper cards floating around.

Digital loyalty programs make it easy for customers to track their progress, redeem rewards, and stay engaged. They also provide insights into your customer base, helping you tailor promotions and understand shopping habits. Plus, they’re more eco-friendly than traditional punch cards!

Suggested: CHCKN, obviously.

7. Start a Mailing List to Keep in Touch

Building a mailing list is a valuable way to keep customers connected. Whether through events, promotions, or simply updates, email is a direct channel to reach your audience and keep them informed. Use a loyalty program like CHCKN to capture emails with minimal effort—customers can sign up quickly when they join your loyalty program.

With a mailing list, you can keep customers up-to-date on events, new products, or special discounts. Staying in touch keeps your business top of mind, and a simple reminder in their inbox could be all it takes to bring them back.

Suggested: Build your list with CHCKN, and use simple email tools like Klaviyo (free up to 500 contacts) or Flodesk (starts at $35/mo).

8. Ensure High-Quality Customer Service

At the end of the day, excellent customer service is the ultimate way to keep customers returning and spreading the word. Happy staff lead to happy customers, and that’s something you can’t fake. Prioritize a positive, welcoming environment where customers feel valued.

Engaging with customers and providing memorable service creates a lasting impression. Word of mouth is still one of the most powerful ways to attract new customers, and it starts with making sure every visitor leaves with a positive experience.

The Bottom Line

Bringing new customers into your shop isn’t just about being found online or offering a good product; it’s about creating an experience. Whether it’s a live event, a tasting, or a well-run loyalty program, giving customers a reason to visit and come back sets brick-and-mortar businesses apart from online options. With a few of these strategies in place, you can make your shop the place to be in your community.