Summer foot traffic is gold for independent stores like yours – but only if you know how to catch it. One hardware store did, and the results were big. Here’s how a few simple tweaks (based on real shopper behavior) turned into a serious sales boost – and how you can use the same strategy with a free tool built just for hardware stores.
They Didn’t Change Their Products – They Changed When They Showed Up
This hardware store didn’t need to stock new items or run huge promotions – they just started paying closer attention, with our help, to when their customers were actually walking through the doors.
What They Noticed About Foot Traffic
Here’s the thing: they assumed weekends were their busiest time. Turns out? Thursdays around lunch were bringing in way more people than Saturday afternoons.
They also noticed traffic picking up earlier in the day than expected.
None of this showed up on the sales reports – it was all about when people were showing up, not just how many dollars they spent. Those patterns were easy to miss… until they zoomed out and took a closer look.
The Changes They Made (No Inventory Needed)
Once they had the full picture, the store made a few smart adjustments. They started timing sales and promos to hit right before lunch on Thursdays.
Staff shifts got shuffled to match actual busy hours – not the hours they thought were busy.
And they moved high-margin summer items closer to the front when foot traffic peaked. No extra spending. No gimmicks. Just a better match between customer habits and store flow (and yes, their sales went up!).
Why Foot Traffic Trends Matter More Than You Think
Understanding your customer flow can make the difference between “slow Thursday” and “best day of the week.”
Aligning your product displays, promotions, and staffing to match actual shopping habits can lead to faster turnover, better customer experience, and bigger sales.
And here’s the scoop: the trends are happening whether you track them or not. So why not use them to your advantage?
What If You Could See These Shopping Habits Before They Happen?
Your customers already have shopping habits – you might just not know about them yet. Knowing when they show up, what they walk past, and when they’re most likely to buy can change everything about how you stock, staff, and sell.
You Can Get These Insights For FREE!
We’re not talking about a complicated spreadsheet or another dashboard you’ll never log into. The Know, Grow, Compete report is built for independent hardware stores (we already said it, just like yours!) and it shows you what’s really happening in and around your shop.
What’s in the Report – And Why It’s a Game-Changer for Independent Stores
This report breaks down when people are shopping in your area, how your foot traffic compares to similar stores nearby, and what patterns you might be missing.
It’s not guesswork – it’s real-world trends in your area. Want to know if you’re missing the morning rush? If your competitor down the road gets more weekend traffic, or what time of day are your local shoppers most likely to browse high-ticket items? You’ll see it all in one simple view!
Actionable Takeaways That Don’t Cost a Dime
What you get isn’t just info.
We break down, explain, and give you actionable items based on the reports. The report includes specific suggestions you can put into play right away, like timing sales for your peak hours, shifting store layout to match traffic flow, or highlighting items customers might otherwise miss.
It’s all based on your location, your customers, and your market.
3 Smart Ways to Act on Your Store’s Shopping Patterns
Not a data person? Don’t worry – these tips are actionable and have nothing to do with boring or overwhelming spreadsheets!
Bonus tip: Once you know your peak hours, time your social posts or emails to land right before people start showing up.
Time Your Promotions When People Are Actually There
If your busiest time is Thursday at noon, why are you pushing your weekend sale so hard?
This is the kind of thing you learn fast when you track shopper habits. Try running small promos when your natural traffic peaks – you’ll likely see a bigger lift than during “expected” busy days.
Rethink Store Layout for Flow, Not Looks
Most customers don’t stroll every aisle. By watching where people naturally walk, this store moved popular seasonal items closer to the path of traffic. The result? More eyes on bestsellers and a boost in impulse purchases.
Align Staff With Your Busiest Times
Just between you and us: one of the easiest wins is making sure your best people are scheduled during the busiest hours. Better service, faster checkout, happier customers – and a team that’s not bored on slow shifts or overwhelmed during a rush.
Don’t Let Peak Season Pass You By – Get the FREE Insights That Helped This Store Win Summer
Summer doesn’t wait – and neither should your sales strategy. That hardware store saw a real boost by matching their store rhythm with their customers’ habits.
You can do the same, starting with your FREE Know, Grow, Compete report. It’s quick, it’s clear, and it’s built to help small stores like yours compete smarter.
Mountain Mojo Group is a leading hardware store marketing company, serving retailers large and small. Reach out today to discover how our team can turn around your sales!