Setting Up a Clothing Store: Techniques to Attract More Customers

Capturing customers’ attention is a critical element of any effective marketing plan. While it was easier to draw visitors to a clothing store a few years ago, today’s competitive market has made attention a valuable currency.

Consumers now have countless options in fashion. However, there are some methods to attract customers to your store, encourage them to spend more time shopping, make a purchase, and even return. Read on to discover actionable strategies to attract customers to your clothing store!

1. Organize Special Events and Theme Your Store

One of the most effective ways to boost foot traffic—and, by extension, sales—is to host events such as product launches, fashion shows, raffles, or other activities. This strategy works well for clothing stores because customers often see shopping as a form of entertainment.[1] Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

Host a Workshop

Appeal to your customers’ thirst for knowledge by organizing workshops where they can gain new skills. This is a great way to draw people into your store and showcase your products. For instance, a styling or personal image consultancy workshop could fit perfectly in a clothing store setting.

Invite a Fashion Expert

Educational events don’t always need to be structured as workshops. Talks and insights from specialists can also be valuable. If you have connections with industry experts or influencers, invite them to share their expertise with your community.

Celebrate a Collection Launch

Another exciting way to unveil a new item or collaboration is to celebrate its launch. Decorate the store with themed elements, set up a corner for snacks, and don’t forget the champagne!

2. Create an Unforgettable Shopping Experience

Another way to attract customers revolves around engaging their senses. While the way you organize shelves and present your clothing is crucial, so are factors like music and scent. Sensory marketing leaves a lasting impression on customers and gives physical stores a unique edge over online shopping. Make sure to engage all five senses to provide your customers with a complete experience:

Sight

The appearance and design of your clothing store speak volumes about your brand. The interior and exterior should clearly convey your values. Ensure your store is inviting, well-lit, and features creatively styled mannequins.

Scent

Our sense of smell is one of the strongest, influencing emotions, memory, and creativity. A unique scent can connect with long-term memory, giving you the ability to positively influence customers’ shopping experience.

This powerful strategy, known as “Scent Marketing,” has been closely studied by researchers. Similar to other types of branding, it aims to create an emotional connection with potential buyers. Olfactory branding often involves developing a signature scent that serves as the “olfactory version” of your brand.[2]

Taste

If you want to check off this sense, offer customers refreshments like cold drinks, tea, coffee, or pastries. This can create a sense of comfort and indulgence.

Touch

Many customers prefer shopping in physical stores to enjoy a tactile experience. They want to see and feel the products in person before purchasing. Capitalize on this by inviting customers to touch the fabrics and try on garments to see how they fit. [3]

Sound

Lastly, incorporating sound into the shopping experience can help attract customers. According to a 2017 study, music is a critical element for any clothing store. About 81% of shoppers worldwide agreed that shopping is more enjoyable when music is playing.[4]

Different genres evoke different responses, so choose tracks that align with your brand identity and customer preferences.

3. Add LED Light Panels and Digital Screens

INo matter your clothing style, you can use various technological solutions to grab potential customers’ attention. LED light advertisements are naturally eye-catching thanks to their brightness. With many shapes and sizes available, you can choose a design that fits your store.

If your budget allows, digital screens are another option. They can display photos, text, or a mix of both on a loop, enabling you to adjust messages for different times of the day, holidays, or local events. These displays give your store a modern, sophisticated look.

We hope you’ve found these tips inspiring and useful in answering the question, “How do you attract customers to a clothing store?” Apply these strategies to connect with your visitors and build long-term relationships with them!

References

[1] Jones, M.A. “Entertaining Shopping Experiences: An Exploratory Investigation.” Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, vol. 6, no. 3, July 1999, pp. 129–139, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0969698998000289, 10.1016/s0969-6989(98)00028-9. Accesat la 1 Feb. 2023.

[2] Bradford, Kevin D, and Debra M Desrochers. “The Use of Scents to Influence Consumers: The Sense of Using Scents to Make Cents.” ResearchGate, Springer Verlag, Nov. 2009, www.researchgate.net/publication/227065057_The_Use_of_Scents_to_Influence_Consumers_The_Sense_of_Using_Scents_to_Make_Cents. Accesat la 1 Feb. 2023.

‌[3] Taylor, Glenn. “85% of Consumers Prefer to Shop in Physical Stores.” Retail TouchPoints, Retail TouchPoints, 15 June 2015, www.retailtouchpoints.com/topics/customer-experience/85-of-consumers-prefer-to-shop-in-physical-stores. Accesat la 1 Feb. 2023.

[4] Mood Media, “The state of brick and mortar”, 2017, https://mobile.visionmonday.com/CMSDocuments/2019/04/Hoodis-2017-state-of-brick-and-mortar.pdf, Accesat la 1 Feb. 2023