In one of his recent blogs, retail consultant Bob Phibbs (the Retail Doctor) suggested some strategies retailers should remember as they work to rebuild business after being closed early in the COVID-19 pandemic.

His ideas have to do with attracting the attention of shoppers, even if a store is closed for the day.

He suggests:

• Investing in digital signage that can be changed frequently as promotions change
• If you’re in a location with lots of foot traffic, decorate your window displays to create memories that coax shoppers to stop or return.
• Fly flags or balloons outside your store, anything to attract attention.
• Great landscaping and floral arrangements are eye-catching and can act as a magnet for shoppers to come in or return.
• Include QR codes in your windows so shoppers can scan them with their smartphones to learn about merchandise they may be interested in buying.

In May, in cooperation with the Council of State Retail Associations, Washington Retail presented Phibbs in a webinar entitled “How to Retail in the Time of COVID-19.” You can watch that webinar here.

Read more of Phibbs’ blog here.