If you run a tangible, brick and mortar store, chances are, the past year and a half have been pretty tough for you. The coronavirus and Covid-19 pandemic was entirely unprecedented and few of us could have anticipated just how much it would change the world.

In a bid to slow the spread of the virus, many governments decided to implement social distancing and lockdown measures, closing brick and mortar stores and encouraging people to stay at home. A number of approaches have helped some stores to survive this. From government support to being able to offer online services, if you’ve managed to get this far, chances are, you’re rooting for your store to completely pull through. Now that vaccines are being rolled out around the world, many stores are being allowed to reopen, but how should you go about this for the highest rates of success? Here are some suggestions that can help.

Let People Know You’ve Reopened

First, you need to create some hype around your reopening. If people don’t know your store is open again, they’re unlikely to pass by and make any purchases. So, make a big deal of it. Post on social media accounts about your grand reopening. Notify your mailing list. Bring in the help of window display designers to create stunning window displays, letting people know you are back in business.

Run a Sale

Running some sort of sale or special offer can entice people in, encouraging them to browse your wares and make some purchases. This can get business back to a good start from the get go.

Implement Covid Safety Measures

Of course, not everyone is entirely comfortable with the reopening. Not everyone has received their second vaccine and people may need some reassurance that your store is a safe place to spend time. This may mean implementing some Covid safety measures to offer comfort and a sense of safety and security to your customers.

• Deep clean – start by undertaking a deep clean. Chances are, your store needs this after being closed for so long anyway. Professional cleaners can make everything spick and span again. You may even want to consider anti viral fogging for extra measure.
• Fit perspex barriers – fit perspex barriers at your till point to separate customers and staff. This can limit the transfer of germs and make everyone feel more comfortable in their surroundings.
• Use social distancing floor stickers – these can help people to identify a two meter distance from those around them. They are cheap and easy to implement. You may even want to consider a one way system in store.
• Encourage masks – depending where you are, mask wearing in public may be mandatory. However, you should consider encouraging the wearing of masks in your store to make those who are vulnerable feel more comfortable.

As you can see, there are a few actions you can take to make people feel more comfortable in your store and to encourage people through the doors now that you’re reopening. Hopefully, some of the above advice will work in your favour and maximise footfall!