Low-Cost Ways To Improve Your Shopfront’s Kerb Appeal

A shop’s kerb appeal, or the visual attractiveness of its shopfront as seen from the street, can play a major role in attracting new customers and driving sales. However, maintaining great kerb appeal doesn’t have to be costly. With some simple improvements and attention to detail, shops can enhance their exteriors and make a positive first impression on potential customers. 

Things like cleaning, lighting adjustments, strategic paint touches and eye-catching displays can make a big impact. Putting some effort into maximising kerb appeal doesn’t just improve aesthetics, it can directly lead to increased walk-in traffic and higher profits if you’re looking to sell. Even small retail stores and restaurants can benefit from enhancing their visible shopfronts. With creativity and sweat equity, kerb appeal can be dramatically improved without breaking the bank.

The benefits of a beautiful business exterior

The overall exterior condition shows pride and professionalism on the part of ownership and management. It communicates your brand identity and reflects your business values. Proper lighting, readable signage, clean windows and clear sight lines into the business also enhance visibility and make your location easier to access. 

Design elements that distinguish your retail premises from competitors aid memorability and repeat business. With ongoing attention through seasonal plantings, seasonal display changes and prompt repairs, you can keep your shopfront looking its best year-round. With that in mind, having a striking kerb appeal is an investment that can pay dividends by setting your business apart.

Add carefully-positioned signage

Signage is one of the most prominent visual elements of a shopfront that helps attract customers. Ensure all permanent signs are clean, free of damage and easy to read, and replace faded or worn signs. 

For restaurants and retail stores, consider installing retractable pergolas above shopfront windows and entrances. Awnings and pergolas provide shade, mark the business location and also allow for branded signage on the awning itself. Signs are the perfect opportunity to add personality and character to your shopfront and attract passersby by standing out. 

Clean up and repair

Keeping the shopfront area clean and free of debris is a simple way to make a good impression. Wash the windows, doors and any exterior displays to remove dirt and grime. Sweep walkways, remove weeds from plantings and pick up any litter around the entrance. The cleaner the front of the shop looks, the more welcoming it will appear. Taking time to properly clean the shopfront shows customers that you care about your business’s appearance and makes it more appealing to step inside. 

Likewise, tackling basic painting or repairs means a store’s exterior can be inexpensively improved. Touching up peeling or faded paint and giving window and door trims a fresh coat in an eye-catching accent colour adds visual interest. 

Brighten up the space with lighting

Proper exterior lighting can make a dramatic impact on kerb appeal, especially after dusk. Start by checking all existing light fixtures to confirm they are in good working order, and replace any broken or burned out bulbs. For the best illumination, use LED bulbs in soft white or yellow tones which casts a warm, welcoming glow compared to harsh fluorescents.

Strategically place lamps or string lights to highlight the entrance, architectural details like trimwork, and any signage or window displays you want to draw attention to. Spotlights or floodlights can also illuminate wall signage to make it easily visible for passing vehicles. For retailers, keep display window lights on in the evening even after closing so window merchandising remains lit and eye-catching at night.

Make sure the entry area is well-lit so customers can see and safely navigate entering and exiting after dark. Options like setting lights on timers or photosensors will automatically turn exterior lighting on each evening and off at a set time. Taking steps to enhance lighting at night makes businesses more noticeable and inviting for potential patrons. 

Add creative window displays

Creative, eye-catching window displays are a vital part of great kerb appeal. They give potential customers an enticing preview of what your shop offers. To maximise their impact, window decor should be changed up frequently (at seasonal intervals) to give passersby something new to look at. This allows you to highlight key products, discounted goods or particular themes.

If your business relies on impressive window displays to showcase their presentation, such as floral tributes, corporate cakes or stunning jewellery collections, then it is important to invest and refresh your designs on a regular basis. Keep displays simple and clutter-free – too many items can look jumbled and make it hard to see clearly into the business. Incorporate signage, lighting, colours and embellishments that complement your brand identity. 

Be sure to rotate items near the front so merchandise isn’t blocking views inside, and incorporate prop items like flower vases, fruit crates or sculptures to lend an inviting mood. For ultimate appeal, showcase your most beautiful, coveted merchandise up front. Taking time to create eye-catching window displays gives potential customers a preview of your products in an attractive, engaging way. This builds interest and gets patrons in the door. Frequently changing your displays keeps the view looking fresh.

Improve the landscaping

Attractive landscaping is an impactful way for shopfronts to stand out and draw in customers. Keeping existing planters and flower beds neatly trimmed with fresh blooms signals a welcoming, cared-for business. Similarly, potted plants and flowers around the entrance and signage adds pops of vibrant colour. This creates an inviting mood for patrons as they enter.

Prune back and trim trees, shrubs or overgrown areas that block visibility of the shopfront, signage and displays. Make sure the exterior layout invites exploration rather than hiding what’s inside. For retailers, incorporate benches, sculpture or decorative accent lighting to make landscaped areas enticing gathering places for customers.

Great kerbside visibility attracts more walk-in customers, builds brand recognition and makes your retail premises  look open and welcoming. Maintaining strong curb appeal also tells customers you care about your facilities. 

Improving your shop’s kerb appeal doesn’t have to involve a major renovation or come with costly upgrades. With some creativity, small businesses can dramatically enhance their exterior visual attractiveness through low-cost improvements. Keeping the entry area spotlessly clean, adding fresh paint touches up and creating engaging window displays are just a few of the budget-friendly ways to increase the look of your business’ exterior.