As we approach the peak summer season, retailers will be looking for ways to maximise foot traffic. As the high street shopping environment becomes more competitive, it’s essential to find ways to grab the attention of passers by and tempt them to step through the door. Here’s a look at how retail LED screens can help your business to boost footfall.
Use bright colours and animations to highlight visibility
Summer days and bright colours go perfectly together, and LED screens are ideal for vibrant hues that will capture the happy holiday atmosphere. The LED technology is designed to be clearly visible even in direct sunlight, making them ideal for outdoor use and shop window displays.
During the warmer months with longer daylight hours, there’s an increased opportunity to capitalise on passing trade as towns receive more visits from tourists, and people are out and about for events, meeting in coffee shops to socialise, or using hair and beauty salons to prepare for holidays and social gatherings.
Use digital graphics and animations to catch the eye and display summer sales promotions, highlight seasonal products, or showcase flash sales and limited time offers. Use summery colour palettes such as white, turquoise, orange and yellow.
Tailor content to the weather
The Great British summer weather can be famously difficult to predict, but rain or shine, it’s always a talking point. Take advantage of this by using digital signage software that will allow you to respond in real time to whatever the weather is doing. For example, clothing retailers could offer discounts on shorts in hot weather, and raincoats when it’s wet.
This not only helps you to draw attention to products that people are actively looking for, but also shows that your business is relevant, customer-focused and not just another faceless high street brand. This personal approach will be noticed and appreciated by customers.
Promote pop-up experiences
People often have more time to spend in summer as they are taking annual leave, touring, or simply encouraged to linger by the warmer weather and longer days. Take advantage of this by inviting browsers to step inside your store for a pop up experience. For example, free product tasting sessions if you are a cafe or food and beverage retailer.
Clothing stores could offer free in-store personal styling sessions for the first X number of visitors each morning, or an outdoor equipment store could offer free demonstrations, such as how to assemble a tent or cook a fry-up on a camping stove.
Showcase customer generated content
It’s no longer enough to just be another name on the high street: today’s customers expect to see an attempt at personal and community engagement. Use your LED screens to showcase customer generated content, such as Instagram photos, TikTok videos, or other social proof of customers using and enjoying your products or services.
This helps to build a sense of community and positions your business as a trusted brand. You could also offer an incentive such as a discount or prize for customers who tag your store (although be aware of the restrictions on doing this to promote certain products, such as pharmaceuticals).
Keep content fresh
One of the many advantages of LED displays is that the content can be refreshed easily, particularly if you have a digital signage system. Plan out your content in advance, as you would plan a social media calendar. For example, have fresh content ready to promote new product lines, and to tie in with national holidays or local events.
You can also use the display to communicate practical matters, such as extended summer opening hours, quieter hours if you are a busy store and want to give older people or those who need to practice social distancing a chance to visit.
So, there you have it: LED screens are an ideal way to help you connect with customers as summer foot traffic ramps up. Modern attention spans are short, so keep your messaging punchy and use techniques such as vibrant colours, animations, timely promotions and social media tie-ins to stay relevant and eye-catching.