It’s safe to assume regulars at a restaurant go back, at least partly, for the food. But what about things like convenience, customer service and ambiance?

The restaurant industry knows a thing or two about attracting and retaining customers, with tactics and strategies designed to surprise and delight, anticipate needs and provide value — or at least perceived value.

Let’s look at six strategies used by restaurants that can easily translate into a retail setting to offer in-store customers a more user-friendly and enjoyable shopping experience.

Provide Complementary Water 

Whether you drink it or not, free water at restaurants is a basic human kindness. Offering free water to your customers — whether bottled or from a water dispenser — is a small and seemingly subtle perk that can make people feel valued.

Plus, unlike the restaurant industry, you want people to linger in your store. The longer they browse, the more likely they are to find something that fits a want or need.

And if you’re feeling extra generous, consider taking it up a notch like those restaurants that bring free chips and salsa or bread to your table. For those food-motivated shoppers or parents with small children, candy and snacks are practically a love language.

Share the Specials 

How many times have you been persuaded to order the special at a restaurant, even when it wasn’t what you initially intended to order?

Daily specials at restaurants are advertised — on chalkboards and dry erase boards by the door, on menu inserts at your table and by your server. If a special or limited-time menu item is available, you will hear about it before you order.

And your business should be no different. Every customer who walks into your store should be aware of current sales and special offers you are running. Don’t assume they saw the ad or read the digital sign. Don’t assume they already know. Tell them when they arrive. If they do already know, great! If not, you gave them an alternative to consider that might be more enticing than the reason they entered your store in the first place.

Play the Big Game on TV 

TVs aren’t just for sports bars anymore. More and more restaurants are now broadcasting anything from major sports events to breaking news — with closed captioning on, of course, to keep the volume at bay.

If you sell TVs or your store has digital signage, game days are the perfect time to put those screens to use. Tune in to all the major sports events that are popular with your local customer base. Not a game day? Pick a cable news channel or local station that covers the current events that are buzzing in your community.

Not only are you providing a convenience to those who might be missing the big game or who enjoy staying informed on-the-go, but, if you do sell TVs, you are also showcasing the merchandise in action.

Encourage Shoppers to Access Your Website in Store 

Since the pandemic, many restaurants have continued to direct guests to online menus via a QR code at the table or booth. While cost-effective, this solution also allows eateries to provide a more up-to-date list of foods available, as a digital menu is easier to update and maintain with regards to seasonality and ingredient availability.

Just like restaurant guests, in-store shoppers may find value in simultaneously browsing your website to see the full inventory available now. Not only do we live in an “I want it now” culture, but some customers may be under duress to the extent that need supersedes want.

As a bonus, driving additional traffic to your website via in-store shoppers can also help to boost your website’s authority on Google, which can increase the chance that it will be shown to more people through organic search results.

Upsell the Extras 

These days, just about every restaurant server is trained to ask if you want to order an appetizer for the table or if you’ve saved room for dessert. Upselling extras on the menu is a simple way to increase the total tab.

For retailers, these “extras” can be anything from product protection to accessory items that relate to the primary purchase. Just like appetizers and dessert are wants versus needs, what you choose to upsell may be more of an impulse buy. Yet, the benefits and convenience may still be a value-add to your customers — unlike that award-winning molten lava chocolate cake a la mode your server convinces you is life changing.

Offer BOPIS (Buy Online, Pick Up in Store) 

Curbside food pickup is not only trending but convenient, right? When you have a craving for your favorite restaurant meal but would rather not eat it at the restaurant, simply order online and pick it up when it’s ready for you.

Online shoppers also love the convenience of not having to leave home till they know exactly what they want and where they want to purchase it. Following the lead of the restaurant industry, more and more retailers are offering a similar curbside pickup service, or BOPIS (buy online, pick up in store) as part of a broader omnichannel sales strategy.

If your store doesn’t offer this option, it is something to consider.

And the next time you sit down to dine-in at a restaurant, take note of other tactics that might work in a retail setting.