Thrift stores present a great business opportunity for generating revenue, but how can you draw more customers to your store?
Even though online shopping continues to grow, many customers still want the hands-on, social, and eco-friendly experience that thrift stores provide. To succeed, secondhand retailers need creative ways to bring in more visitors and keep them coming back.
Whether you currently run a thrift store or are just starting out, these proven tips will help you increase foot traffic and build a loyal community around your business.
Let’s get started.
To help your thrift store attract more shoppers and inspire repeat visits, consider these 13 practical tips on how to increase foot traffic in retail. These strategies focus on building community, meeting customer needs, and creating memorable experiences.
People want to feel connected and part of something bigger than just shopping. Create a “Thrift Lovers Club” or a loyalty program that rewards repeat shoppers with special perks. Use social media groups or forums to encourage customers to share their thrift finds and styling ideas. When customers feel like they’re part of a community, they tend to visit more often and bring friends along.
Know what your customers want right now. You can use customer buying patterns and certain times of the year to anticipate what they’re looking for. Create sections like “Seasonal Essentials” or “Eco-Friendly Finds” that match current trends and local demand. Keep your secondhand inventory fresh, organized, and easy to browse, so shoppers can quickly find hidden gems and must-haves.
Use customer data to understand shopping patterns, preferences, and peak visit times. With modern point of sale (POS) software, these insights are easy to collect and readily accessible. By analyzing this information, you can tailor your inventory mix to match what customers want, schedule staff during busy hours, and create targeted promotions or events that appeal to your audience.
Related Read: Thrift Store Community Partnerships: 5 Tips To Strengthen Local Connections
Make your thrift store a space that reflects your values. Use creative displays to tell stories about sustainability and community impact. Host workshops on upcycling or sustainable fashion to engage and educate shoppers. With so many thrift stores out there, this is your chance to build a brand that’s uniquely connected to your local neighborhood.
Train staff to give advice on styling, garment care, or easy repairs to add extra value beyond a simple purchase. Send newsletters or post blogs with tips on putting together outfits or on repainting dressers. You can even offer assistance like alterations, donation pickup scheduling, and dropoff services to make buying and contributing items even easier. Thoughtful touches like these show that your thrift store is invested in helping people, which builds trust and loyalty.
Host themed shopping nights, swap meets, or DIY workshops that fit your thrift store’s style. These events not only create a fun in-store atmosphere, but also help build stronger connections with your customers. Promote your events through email, social media, and local boards to spark excitement and give customers reasons to visit in addition to shopping.
Many shoppers research online before visiting a store. Your online presence is often the first impression customers get of your thrift store, so it plays a key role in attracting new visitors. In addition to your website, you can share unique thrift finds, behind-the-scenes content, and event news on social media. Optimize your site for search, and use geo-targeted ads and push notifications to engage local shoppers and draw them in.
Invite local fashion bloggers, eco-conscious influencers, or community leaders to visit your store and share their experiences. A post or shoutout from a respected voice often boosts your visibility and credibility. Their recommendations can attract new customers who trust their opinions.
Encourage current customers to bring family and friends by offering discounts or rewards for every new shopper they refer. Personal recommendations feel genuine and help expand your community reach. Word-of-mouth remains a strong way to increase foot traffic.
Design intriguing, themed window displays that tell a story or show off unique items. Collect items from your store to create holiday or seasonal displays. A great storefront captures the attention of people passing by and invites them inside.
Related Read: 6 Thrift Store Display Ideas To Increase Sales
Give customers special benefits like early access to sales, discounts, or members-only events. This encourages them to visit more often and strengthens loyalty. With a comprehensive POS system, you also can manage customer preferences, track purchases, and offer rewards.
Make your store easy to navigate with clear signs and a welcoming layout. Organize your space into sections to support this — for example, add signage to highlight areas like “Kids’ Clothing” or “Home Decor.” A comfortable shopping environment encourages customers to stay longer and explore.
Create memorable experiences with themed displays, live music, art shows, or food trucks. Partner with local artists and performers to host engaging activities like open mic nights, pop-up markets, or fashion shows featuring upcycled clothing. These events give people a reason to visit beyond just shopping — transforming your store into a dynamic community hub and a destination for entertainment.
By putting these strategies into action, you can turn your thrift store into a vibrant space that boosts foot traffic and builds lasting customer loyalty.
Increasing foot traffic in retail requires creativity, community-building, and a focus on the customer experience.
ThriftCart helps by offering tools made specifically for thrift stores:
See how our all-in-one, cloud-based POS software can help your thrift store attract more customers and grow. Customize your needs with our build and price tool today.