When you opened your new storefront, you created a look that would attract customers. Throughout the spring and summer, you kept it looking beautiful but now the cold weather is starting to arrive. You know snow, hail, sleet and wind will not only reduce foot traffic to your store but will also make it difficult to keep it looking attractive. These tips can help you create a storefront that looks warm and inviting even when the weather is not.
Add an Awning
In previous eras, store owners added awnings to their storefronts as a way to encourage people to shop during bad weather. Awnings are not very expensive and give your storefront an old-fashioned, homey appeal. It is a great marketing tool as you can add your own branding or choose colors that work with your brand. Add a bright welcome mat as another homey touch with an added benefit – less slush and mud tracked into the store.
Protect Your Roofing
Maintaining your roofing system is an important part of keeping your storefront in excellent condition. If water is able to accumulate on your roofing, it can lead to leaks and even mold. Consider finding a professional who can help you find the right kind of silicone coating. Utilizing protective coating will help protect your roofing from harsh weather conditions.
Consider Fresh Paint
Before the weather turns bitter cold, consider a fresh coat of paint on the front of your store. There is nothing that brightens up a location more than fresh paint. If the weather has already gotten too cold to paint the entire front of the building, consider painting window and door trim. Choose bright, cheerful colors like blue, red, or green which will draw attention to your business in the cold, dreary months of winter.
Clean Lights and Ceilings
It is easy to miss lights and ceilings when you are cleaning. You especially want the lights in your window display to be free of dust and grime. If your store has ceiling fans, be sure to regularly clean the blades as well. Remember that fans can move warm air from the ceiling down to the sales floor, saving you money on energy costs. If you have blinds in your windows, open them in the winter to take advantage of as much natural light as possible.
Floor Care
The floor at your entrance will be the biggest challenge during the winter months. Welcome mats are a great way to catch some of the grime, but you will still experience some tracked on the floor. Wet shoes and boots will track in rock salt and other chemicals, no matter how hard you try to keep it out. Stress to your staff the need to keep the entrance clean, not only because it makes your store look better but because a wet floor is also a liability.
These simple tips can help you create a storefront that is warm and inviting even during the dreary, cold days of winter.
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