Step Inside For Success: Top Tips To Drive In-Store Traffic | O.W. Lee

Step Inside for Success: Top Tips to Drive In-Store Traffic

2025 Bowman's in EphrataClick here for a printable version of this article.

Looking to bring more customers through your doors? Try these simple, effective tips to boost foot traffic and turn browsers into buyers. From eye-catching displays to community events, here’s how outdoor casual furniture retailers can draw a crowd.

Host Events & Workshops
• Live Demonstrations: Invite experts to show how to arrange patio spaces, maintain outdoor furniture, or use outdoor grills.
• Themed Events: Organize garden parties, BBQs, or design consultations to make visiting the store
an experience.
• DIY Classes: Offer workshops on creating patio decor, arranging plants, or building simplepieces.

Build Community Engagement
• Feedback Opportunities: Actively seek customer feedback to improve the in-store experience.
• Celebrate Milestones: Host anniversary or grand re-opening events to re-engage the community.
• Exclusive Memberships: Create a VIP club with perks like early access to sales or special event invites.

Leverage Digital & Social Media Marketing
• Geotargeted Ads: Use social media platforms to run ads targeting local customers within driving distance of the store.
• Showcase Inspiration: Regularly post photos and videos of stylish patio setups on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. See OW Lee’s Media Library for ready-to-post graphics and videos.
• Exclusive Offers: Promote in-store-only discounts or events to drive foot traffic.

Partner with Complementary Businesses
• Collaborate with Related Businesses: Offer joint promotions or create bundled services.
• Local Influencers: Invite local influencers to feature your store and products in their content.
• Community Connections: Sponsor local events or participate in home improvement expos. Get involved in the community (Chamber of Commerce, volunteer locally, etc.).

Offer In-Store Perks
• Exclusive Discounts: Provide discounts or bonuses for in-store purchases.
• Free Consultation Services: Offer in-home design consultations to help customers envision their dream patios. Make sure you have OW Lee swatches and marketing materials to help in your design!
• Loyalty Rewards: Create a program where customers earn rewards for visiting and making purchases.
• Beverages or Treats: Offer simple treats to encourage visitors to linger—like cold lemonade in summer or warm cookies in winter.