You’re a retail brand with a beautiful brick-and-mortar store (or fifty), immaculately designed with all the latest trends and the best lighting that make all your products look like a zillion bucks. Yet, despite your local customers living just a stone’s throw away, they can’t be bothered to get off their couch and actually walk into your store! Your location is practically in their backyard, but they’re still choosing to make purchases through a screen instead of stepping foot inside. It’s the retail equivalent of unrequited love, and honestly? It stings.

Of course, ecommerce is good commerce, but you’d prefer your customers to also shop in-store once in a while. It’s not only important for loyalty, but it’s easier to upsell them on different items, or have them make impulse purchases decisions that they normally wouldn't make just shopping online. After all, surveys show that people spend more when in-store, with 71% spending more than $50 compared to only 54% when shopping online.

So, how do you break this digital spell and get those local customers to experience your store IRL? Maybe they’ve never stepped foot inside one before, or even know that a physical location exists in the first place. The secret sauce lies in combining personalized offers with immersive in-store experiences. Here’s how you can lure them in with strategies that go beyond “just another sale,” making your store not only a convenient choice but a destination they can’t resist.

Let’s face it, we all love a good deal. And if there’s one thing that’ll make your local customers do a double take, it’s a discount with a twist: they can only redeem it if they buy online and pick up in-store (BOPIS, in industry-speak). This strategy is like dangling a carrot, but in the form of an irresistible coupon, and it’s highly effective in getting customers to cross that threshold from online browsing to in-person shopping.

Here’s how it works: start by segmenting your local customers—those who live within, say, a 5-mile radius of each of your store locations. Launch an email or SMS campaign targeted specifically at this group, and hit them with a BOPIS offer that feels too good to pass up. Maybe it’s a limited-time 25% discount or early access to new products. The key is to make the deal exclusive and make it clear that the only way to redeem it is to pick up in-store.

Not only does this get them into your store, but it also opens the door (literally) to impulse buys. Customers may come in for the deal, but once they’re surrounded by all your other products, they’re likely to pick up an extra item or two. It’s like how we all end up going to Target for one thing and leaving with a cart full of things we didn’t know we needed.

Think of your storefront as your very own stage—one that has the power to captivate locals passing by, even those who might’ve forgotten your store was there. And in today’s age, why settle for a simple mannequin display when you can offer an immersive experience? Taking a page out of Coach’s book with their SoHo NYC store’s augmented reality (AR) Tabby Bag collection campaign, you can transform your store window into an interactive experience that not only stops people in their tracks but also gives them a taste of your brand’s personality.

Here’s an idea: Create a display that comes to life with AR. Imagine a window display showcasing your latest collection with signs that encourage shoppers to “see the magic.” With their phone camera, they could unlock an AR experience—whether it’s animations, a virtual fitting room, or a filter that lets them try on pieces from the collection. It’s the kind of experience that feels exclusive and exciting, turning a simple window shopping moment into a shareable experience. You might even consider featuring seasonal elements, like holiday decorations or Valentine’s Day themes, to keep things fresh and relevant throughout the year.

And if they’re impressed enough by the AR display, they might just walk inside to get the real feel of those products they’ve been virtually trying on. It’s all about making the store an experience, not just a pit stop, giving locals a reason to not just pass by but to come in.

For many customers, especially those who live nearby, the idea of a personalized shopping experience can be a huge draw… if you can warm them up to the idea first. This is where virtual clienteling and styling appointments come in. Think of it as a way to build a relationship with your local customers without them having to leave their cozy, Wi-Fi-laden nests. Once you engage with them in this way, with the right styling session, it might just make them curious enough to come in and see the pieces (and their new favorite store associate) up close.

Here’s the game plan: offer virtual appointments with in-store associates who specialize in styling and product recommendations. Target the local online shoppers in the area of your store with the right SMS or email campaigns. Once booked, customers can join a video call to chat about their style preferences, ask questions, and even see products up close. Your associates can showcase items, suggest pieces that go well together, and give personalized recommendations based on the customer’s preferences. And the best part? During these virtual sessions, your associates can suggest items that are available for in-store pickup, incentivizing them to stop by and complete the experience.

But don’t stop there—use follow-ups to make the experience feel even more tailored. If the customer ends up loving the virtual session, your associate can invite them to the store for a VIP shopping experience where they can try on the pieces they liked during the call. It’s like rolling out the red carpet without having to actually roll out a red carpet. Plus, by assigning them a personal stylist, you create a bond that encourages them to keep coming back. After all, your online shoppers may just feel uncomfortable going to your physical locations because they just feel socially awkward. Giving them a face they know already can help a ton in these cases.

The bottom line is that local customers aren’t just looking for convenience. They already have that shopping online. Rather, they’re looking for an experience that feels both personal and exclusive. By creating offers that draw them in (literally), making your storefront a showstopper, and building personalized relationships through virtual clienteling, you’re giving them every reason to step through your doors.

So, forget the days of hoping that your locals will miraculously show up. With these strategies, you’re not just waiting for them—you’re actively inviting them, enticing them, and making your store feel like the only place they’d want to shop. And who knows? They might just become your most loyal customers.