The retail segment in the US is immensely competitive, with brands vying for buyer attention and foot traffic. According to IBISWorld, there were 2,827,656 retail businesses in the US as of 2024. This represented an increase of 0.5% from 2023, and an average annual increase of 0.5% over the last five years (2019-2024). 

In this competitive domain, first impressions are everything. Curb appeal, the visual allure from the street, can make or break a shopper's decision to stop and enter. For retail spaces, strong curb appeal doesn't just draw eyes; rather, it drives sales, attracts tenants, and increases property value. 

When it comes to curb appeal upgrades, targeted improvements pay off quickly. This article explores the ones that can transform your retail facade into a revenue magnet.

Exterior Maintenance and Paint

CRE Daily highlights the resilience of the retail sector, despite the slowdown caused by the pandemic. Despite consistent e-commerce growth, over 80% of retail transactions continue to happen in-store. This reinforces the relevance of physical retail even in the era of online shopping. It also indicates that retail owners and investors must pay attention to exteriors. 

If you plan to upgrade your retail exterior, you don’t need to plan a complex renovation. A clean, well-maintained exterior signals reliability and care, and it requires minimal effort. Neglected facades with peeling paint, cracked siding, or grimy windows repel customers faster than bad reviews. 

Fresh exterior paint alone can modernize the look of your establishment and protect it against weather damage. Power-wash sidewalks, storefronts, and awnings to remove dirt, gum, and urban grime. Repair or replace damaged elements like stucco, brickwork, or metal trim. Opt for weather-resistant materials like fiber cement siding for high-traffic areas.

Signage and Entrance Enhancements

Retail signage is the equivalent of a billboard handshake. To stand out and attract attention, it should be bold and unforgettable. Outdated or faded signs reduce visibility, while modern designs can boost walk-ins. Invest in illuminated LED channel letters or dimensional signs with your logo in high-contrast colors for nighttime pop. 

Ensure compliance with local zoning laws on height and brightness. For entrances, you can install automatic glass doors or sleek pivots with push-plate sensors. This eases access for families and elderly shoppers, which is a key factor for retail success. 

Enhance with branded awnings or canopies that provide shade and shelter. Featuring QR codes linking to promotions on them is a good idea. Small touches, like adding welcoming mats and subtle graphics like "Open" signs with hours, make a difference. These elements create an inviting threshold, converting passersby into customers and signaling a premium shopping experience.

Landscaping and Greenery

Monash University has some surprising facts about the use of greenery in retail. Academic research shows that green spaces have restorative potential linked to key business metrics. Customers who recognized the restorative potential of a shopping center reported higher levels of satisfaction, loyalty, intention to recommend, and Net Promoter Score.

Landscaping and greenery, therefore, make an essential part of the retail curb appeal upgrade checklist. Design low-maintenance native plant beds with flowering shrubs that thrive in local climates. Custom-made planters can elevate the aesthetic appeal of the retail space and support branding.

PolyMade explains the environmental benefits of greenery around your space. These include improved air quality, carbon sequestration, thermal regulation, and ecological diversity. Incorporate vertical gardens on walls or living facades for urban spaces with limited ground. Avoid overplanting. and aim for clean lines that frame the entrance without obstructing views. 

Lighting and Security

CWB Chicago reports that Chicago police recently released surveillance footage showing a burglary attempt ripping an ATM from a storefront. This was done using a chain and an SUV. Authorities stated that the incident was a part of an 11-location crime spree targeting businesses across the city. 

Illuminating your retail space can prevent such incidents, besides extending shopping hours into evenings. Install warm LED floodlights along facades to highlight architectural features and signage. Path lights guide customers from parking to doors, while motion-sensor spots deter loiterers. Smart systems can be used for scheduling and remote control.

Solar-powered pathway markers add a subtle glow without wiring hassles. Layer security with visible CCTV domes, bollards, and shatterproof glass. In high-crime areas, these visible deterrents reduce incidents. Energy-efficient LEDs slash electricity costs, making this a high-ROI upgrade.

FAQs

What is curbside appeal?

Curbside appeal, also referred to as curb appeal, is the exterior attractiveness of a property as viewed from the street. For retail spaces, it includes elements such as facade cleanliness, signage visibility, landscaping, and overall upkeep that entice immediate visitor engagement.

What attracts retail visitors the most?

When it comes to attracting retail visitors, cleanliness and signage top the list, followed by lighting and greenery. Most shoppers decide to enter based on exterior visuals alone. They prioritize welcoming entrances and well-lit, green spaces because they appear appealing and soothing to the eye. 

How can retail spaces make a great first impression?

Focus on a spotless exterior, bold branding, and frictionless entry to make a great first impression on retail buyers. Fresh paint, strategic lighting, and subtle greenery create warmth, while functional perks like easy parking seal the deal. Together, these elements create a "magazine-cover" look that promises quality inside.

The curb appeal of a retail store has a significant impact on foot traffic, which eventually determines sales and profitability. For this reason, curb appeal upgrades make a wise investment for retail store owners and commercial real estate investors. These practical improvements can boost your exteriors without massive expense, effort, and business disruption.