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Have you ever spent an entire day just “window shopping”? You know, walking past stores to see what’s on display, but without intending to buy anything? It can be a thrilling experience, and if you’re a brick and mortar business owner, it can work to your advantage.
From a design perspective, turning “window shoppers” into real customers is as simple as choosing the right kind of glass. Here, our experts break down how your retail business can increase curb appeal and invite even the most dedicated window shoppers to enter your store.
It won’t surprise you to know that 95% of consumers take a store’s exterior appearance into consideration before choosing which to shop from, and another 80% would be willing to enter a store they’ve never heard of, as long as they see a clean and inviting exterior.
As the window to your products, glass plays a highly important role in your business’s curb appeal. With modern retail giants, such as Apple, relying on glass-forward designs, choosing the right kind of glass can make all the difference in the world.
Installing the right glass during the design phase of your store is key, but there are still things you can do to maintain and improve your business’s curb appeal, including easy glass upgrades.
What draws shoppers into a store? Discounts, special offers, cool products, and interesting art displays. If your storefront display includes any of these (and it most likely does), then the key to drawing customers inside is to display these prominently.
By “prominently,” we mean that customers should see what your store can offer them and nothing else. As soon as there’s a noticeable smudge, scratch, or even a crack, these not-so-small imperfections can imply shoddiness and turn a potential customer away.
It’s not easy work, but wiping down the inside and outside of your glass with a cleaner everyday can make a huge difference, as customers will associate cleanliness and attention to detail with your brand’s products and offerings.
If there are any scratches or cracks, definitely get it looked at right away. There are even 24/7 glass repair services that you can keep on speed dial, if you prefer to do your maintenance after store hours.
What’s the right storefront atmosphere for your brand?
For most retail businesses, including products related to luxury design or technology, then clear glass—and lots of it—is the way to go. Apple is the perfect example of how clear glass can communicate the greatest sense of welcoming transparency and cutting-edge modernity. It’s also the best way to showcase your products and give window shoppers a reason to enter the store.
On the other hand, if what you want to express is a warmer, more intimate atmosphere, like in spas, bookstores, and cafes, then you could explore coated and tinted glass for your store.
By giving your glass the right level and colour of tint, natural sunlight gets blocked out so you can have more control over your interior lighting. Additionally, coated and tinted glass can keep your store insulated from hotter and colder weather, helping reduce your utility bills.
Learn more about your different glass options from a glass expert.
After you’ve chosen a type of glass, the next step is to complement it with a frame.
Ultra-modern stores like Apple like to go frameless, giving a cleaner, brighter look. Most stores, however, will consider framing as a way to bring more personality and identity to their stores. Wood and aluminum are some of the most common materials used for glass framing, and the latter can come in a variety of colours to suit your design.
Another popular design trend in recent years is the use of steel windows, which have long been a go-to for sophisticated architects and builders looking for floor-to-ceiling windows with durability, strength, and design.
Steel windows are found in many major brands today as they resemble old factory windows of prewar buildings, giving a sense of warmth and nostalgia, but with a modern touch.
Besides design, another thing to keep in mind as you pick your glass is safety. Different types of glass offer different levels of protection for your business and your employees.
Tempered glass is a great choice for most stores, as its thermal tempering process makes it stronger than other types of glass. Plus, even if the worst happens, tempered glass breaks into smooth and rounded pieces, preventing your customers and employees from getting injured.
Laminated glass offers a higher level of protection from other types of damage, including storms, harmful UV effects that could damage your interiors over time, and even unwanted noise.
Fire resistant glass is another safety option for retail stores. In case of a fire emergency, fire resistant glass can prevent the spread of flames and smoke, as well as the transfer of heat.
See which glass is right for your store by speaking with a glass expert.
Using the above tips, you can evaluate your own storefront experience and see where it can be improved. Even if you’re satisfied with how it looks, a few minor improvements to your store’s exteriors can be a grand refresh and create a new experience to boost customer interest.
Don’t waste your storefront location with mediocre-looking glass. Talk to our experienced experts today and find out how you can upgrade your curb appeal with the perfect glass.
B-929 Brock Rd.
Pickering, Ontario
Canada, L1W 2X9
782 McKay Rd
Pickering, ON
L1W 2Y4
905.837.2043
info@amgmirrorandglass.ca
