Do you know that 30%-40% of people don’t buy things from stores because of poor parking facilities? That means it should be a major concern for business owners and retailers.
Therefore, today I will explain retail parking, its requirements and advantages. We have also answered your common questions related to retail parking.
Retail Parking Meaning
Retail parking is a type of parking that is mostly owned by private companies. You can see this parking area near shopping malls, plazas, and at single-site locations.
If you want to purchase something from these stores and work at those places, then you can use it. In fact, its main purpose is to provide you a safe option when you shop for something.
What is Retail Parking Only?
“Retail Parking Only” sign is placed outside of a retail parking lot and area. Basically, this sign tells you that this parking is reserved for specific customers and staff members of a retail plaza. Therefore, you can not park your car if you don’t visit that store or market.
You can see this sign board in different shapes and colors as it is owned privately. But, usually a red and blue background is used where “Retail Parking Area” is written. Moreover, some additional information like timings and rules are also mentioned on it.
Also see: Parking Signs Meaning – Helpful Guide
Importance of Retail Parking
Well, retail parking provides you a safe space to park vehicles. This thing can enhance your shopping experience. It helps you to reduce the rush in busy areas near shops. As a customer you feel more satisfied when you know that the vehicle is safe.
On the other hand, if you are the owner of a business, it can boost your sales. You can set a strong image of your brand in the market. In simple words, you can say that retail parking supports both customers and business as well.
Retail Parking Requirements
If you want to make a retail parking garage to increase customers then you must have knowledge about its requirements. You can follow these points to make a good retail parking.
- You have to select the space according to the size and expected customers of the store.
- The design of the building must match all the needs of local building codes and parking regulations.
- When you design the layout of a parking lot, you have to reserve a separate space for disabled persons. For example, a marked wheel chair space.
- Always install proper sign boards in front of a parking area for the awareness of customers.
- A sign board must include directions and rules on it. If you have specified time duration, write it on the board too.
- Like other parking areas a retail parking lot must have light connections. You have to install CCTV cameras for security.
- Paint or mark the paths that you have made for walkers, children and drivers.
- You can separate the entry and exit points. Actually, in this way you can avoid traffic jams and collisions.
- If your parking area is in a busy market, you should set time duration to avoid fake customers.
- When you know that there are many electric vehicles in your area then arrange a charging station in the parking area.
- Once a parking becomes operational, you must maintain it according to daily usage needs.
Retail Parking Management & Its Improvement
When you have introduced retail parking in your business management matters the most.
Flexible Pricing: You can vary the price of parking tickets according to rush hours and customers footfall of a store. But, make sure that you have empty spaces for upcomers. You can improve this system if you introduce mobile payment & LPR (License Plate Recognition) with it.
Increase Parking Space: First of all, try to make good use of available space. But if you know that your customers need more space then increase the area. Plus, you can use APS (Automated Parking Systems) in the parking garage like tower parking.
Automate the System: As you know, technology changes day by day. This is the reason, you should introduce new tools and technologies into parking areas. For example, sensor-based systems.
Provide Real-Time Information: You can facilitate your customers with real time information from inside of the parking garage. You should tell them about the current available spaces.
Employee Feedback System: When you want to improve something the feedback from a user is the most important thing. Therefore, place a feedback box in the parking area and read each feedback. If you think that there is something that can enhance their experience, then apply it.
Benefits of Retail parking
As a Customer
- A well maintained and secure parking area can reduce your stress when you go to buy something..
- It saves your time that you may waste in just searching for the right place to park the car.
- If you are a disabled person, you will feel more comfortable. As retail parkings have reserved spaces for people with disabilities.
- It can reduce your walking distance that you have to cover if you park the car at a distance.
As a Business Owner
- A secure parking option appeals to customers at retail stores.
- When you make your parking free of cost, repetitive customers may increase.
- It shows that you care about the comfort of customers which can create strong relationships with buyers.
- A retail parking can work as an advertisement and take your brand image to the next level.
- This step separates you from your competitors that are present in the same market.
Security Challenges in Retail Parking Lots
If your area is not secured with tools like CCTV cameras and proper lighting, then it can create many security issues like;
- Personal belongings can be stolen.
- Armed robbers can attack you at any blind spot.
- Female customers may get harassed by someone.
- Anyone can hit a car and run off from the spot.
Is Retail Parking Free?
You can find free retail parking at many stores. This is because the owners want to attract customers and want to make a good relationship with them. Especially, if a retail store is located at a distance from the city, it is almost free.
But in case, when an outlet is in the center of a busy city. Then you have to pay some amount to use it. Because without a fee-ticket, others can misuse the space that is not good for any business owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Can Park in Retail Parking?
Retail parking is for staff members and customers of a specific retail store.
Why Does Some Retail Parking Have Time Limits?
Some retail parking has time limits to assure that space is available for active shoppers.
What Is a retail parking penalty?
Basically, it is a fine or charge that is taken if you break some rules of that specific parking lot.
To Conclude
So, after reading this article, you should be ready to offer retail parking to your customers. Because this step can easily increase your sales, reputation and very high profits.
We are a manufacturer of traffic safety, workplace and parking products. Our team can have a discussion with you and help you to design retail parking at your place. You can contact us to order lights, signs, cameras and other related products.
More Helpful Posts:
What Are Parking Bollards? Material, Type, Use, Installation
Our Top Tips on Securing Your Retail Parking Lot | WCCT
5 Legal Parking Signs Every Business Should Install
The Ultimate Guide to Stopping Parking Space Theft With Parking Locks
