More of us have been shopping online recently. After the events of the last two years, we’ve increasingly started to head to the virtual checkouts where, with a few swipes of a finger or click of a mouse, we’re buying what we need – and often what we don’t need.
But in some retail spaces, there’s nothing quite like seeing things in person. In fact, to make a sale, there are certain products and items that must be seen before they can be bought. And for businesses, showcasing their wares in a showroom is the best way to do this. But what are the benefits of having a showroom if you’re a business owner? Read on to find out.
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Showroom perks
A showroom offers plenty of perks for business owners and customers alike. If you’re thinking of introducing one, it’s worth considering these perks to see how you can reap the benefits for your business.
One of the main benefits is that they’re selling an experience. Customers can get a sense of what it would be like to own the wares that are being displayed and can imagine living that lifestyle, whether they’re wandering around a showhouse on a new housing development or a car showroom.
Another major benefit is that it’s easier for businesses to advertise their brand if they have a showroom filled with their logo, colours, and messaging. Even the smallest businesses can become instantly recognisable if their brand is on display.
Also, there’s the element of getting to try before you buy. Customers can sit on the sofas and get into the cars before they commit to buying anything – something that’s not possible with online purchases.
Who has a showroom?
There are lots of different businesses and industries that use showrooms to make a sale.
We’ve already touched on the auto industry. This is one of the sectors that have used showrooms to show off their products for well over a century – and it’s easy to see why. By placing all the cars under one roof, buyers can easily compare the models they have in mind. Also, the sales team can get into the details by pointing out each car’s different features, enhancing the service received by prospective buyers.
Another industry that relies on showrooms is home interiors. Bathroom and kitchen retailers use these spaces to sell a lifestyle. They show off how counters can be configured and how full bathroom suites can look. These setups can be found in well-known stores too. IKEA and Marks & Spencer have sections of their retail space that are dedicated showroom areas, filled with suggested layouts using their products and furniture.
Full-blown show homes are another very clever type of showroom. Usually found on housing developments, these are typically designed by interiors specialists and are used to show what home buyers could make their new property look like when they buy their plot.
Ready to introduce a showroom?
Are you thinking your business would benefit from a showroom? Before you opt for a permanent space, you could hire a temporary building to give it a trial run. This gives you the opportunity to make tweaks and work out what could be the right fit for you without committing.
Once you’re happy with the setup, you can then take the plunge and go for a permanent space where your customers can experience all your business has to offer.