First Impressions Matter: How the Outside of Your Store Influences Customer Perception and Sales

How the Outside of Your Store Impacts Sales

A clean, inviting store exterior might not seem like a big deal—but for c-store owners who want to boost their foodservice sales, it absolutely should be. The truth is, customers make snap judgments about your store the moment they pull into the parking lot. If your storefront looks cluttered, dirty, or outdated, many people will never step through the door—no matter how great your pizza is.

The good news? You don’t have to renovate to make a difference. 

A few smart improvements to your store’s appearance can increase foot traffic, increase grab and go sales, and make your foodservice program stand out for all the right reasons.

Why the Outside of Your Store Matters

People judge with their eyes—and they do it fast. Within seconds of pulling into your lot, customers form opinions about your store’s cleanliness, safety, and overall quality. A clean, maintained exterior sends a clear message: what’s inside is fresh, safe, and worth buying.

On the flip side, a cluttered or neglected storefront can drive people away before they ever step inside—taking their pizza dollars with them. Whether consciously or not, customers connect your curb appeal to the quality of your food. That’s why keeping things tidy isn’t just for looks. It’s a smart move for your bottom line.

Easy Fixes That Make a Big Impact

You don’t need a big budget or a full renovation to boost your store’s curb appeal. Small improvements go a long way in shaping customer perception and increasing foot traffic. A few simple changes can turn your storefront from forgettable to inviting—and that means more people walking in and more foodservice sales walking out. Focus on the basics:

Clean Walkways
Sweep up trash, spilled drinks, and other messes regularly. If your sidewalk looks sticky or stained, it’s time for a quick sweep, a hose-down, or a pressure wash.

Well-Lit Entrances
Lighting impacts safety and appeal; the better the lighting, the more welcoming your store feels. Make sure your entryway is well-lit—especially during early morning and evening hours.

Clear Windows
Remove clutter and decals that block visibility. A clean window lets customers see into your store and feel more welcome.

Tidy Gas Pump Area
Most people make their go/no-go decision about entering the store while pumping gas. A clean, organized pump area increases your chances.

Fresh Paint & Maintenance
Chipped paint, sagging banners, or broken signs send the wrong message. Keep it crisp, clean, and current.

Don’t Hide the Good Stuff.

One of the biggest mistakes C-store owners make? Hiding their best products. If customers can’t see your food offerings—or don’t realize they’re available—they’re far less likely to make a purchase.

Your Hunt Brothers® Pizza program should be front and center. That means making it impossible to miss, even from the parking lot. Eye-catching, branded signage and strategic point of purchase (POP) materials help draw attention, build awareness, and set expectations before customers even walk in.

Here’s how to bring visibility to your food program:

• Use exterior signage like lighted signs, window clings, and banners to showcase hot, ready-to-eat pizza.
  

   

• Highlight specials or combos on pump toppers and sidewalk signs.
  

   

• Make sure your warmer is visible from the front door—and keep it clean, stocked, and well-lit.

• Request updated POP materials from your Account Manager or our Pizza Portal anytime you need a refresh.

The more visible and appealing your setup, the more likely customers are to choose your store—not just for fuel, but for food.

Use Outdoor POP in the Right Zones

You don’t have to guess when it comes to effective signage—TBHC Delivers has a proven system to help you turn heads and drive traffic. Our POP (Point of Purchase) materials are designed with two key exterior zones in mind:

• Zone 1: Street Visibility
  Customers can’t stop if they don’t see you. Use large, eye-catching banners and branded signs near the road or at your lot entrance to promote Hunt Brothers Pizza. Clear messaging at a distance lets people know that hot, ready-to-eat food is just a turn signal away.

   

• Zone 2: At the Pump
  Customers are already fueling up at your store—give them a reason to come inside and fuel up on pizza while they’re there. Gas pump toppers, hose signs, and pole signage catch their attention while they’re waiting for the tank to fill. These materials highlight special offers, popular products like WingBites®, and limited-time deals, encouraging add-on sales and impulse buys.
  

Reinforce from Every Angle
Pole signs, window clings, and door decals help create a branded environment that reminds customers of your foodservice offering before they even open the door. These visuals work together to build awareness, drive cravings, and pull foot traffic toward the warmer.

Need a Sign Check?
Not sure which POP materials are missing, or due for a refresh? Ask your TBHC Delivers Account Manager to walk the perimeter of your store. They’ll identify high-impact opportunities, replace worn signage, and help make sure your outdoor visibility is working hard to support your sales goals inside.

Make Exterior Checks Part of Every Shift

A clean, welcoming exterior isn’t just a one-time effort—it’s an everyday habit. That’s why it helps to build a quick curb check into your opening and shift-change routines. It only takes two minutes, but it can make a big difference in how your store is perceived.

Assign one team member per shift to walk the front of the store and look for anything that needs attention:

Trash picked up?
Stray cups, wrappers, or debris around the lot or entryway send the wrong message. A quick sweep keeps things looking cared for.

Windows wiped down?
Smudges, fingerprints, and dust can make your store look less clean than it really is. A fast wipe with glass cleaner helps your signage and storefront shine.

POP materials clean and visible?
Banners, clings, and signs don’t work if they’re faded, crooked, or covered in grime. Take a moment to realign and refresh any marketing materials.

Entryway and sidewalk clear?
Whether it’s empty boxes, overflowing trash bins, or cluttered displays—remove anything that blocks the path or distracts from your main attractions.

If the answer is “yes” to all of the above, you’re ready to welcome customers. When your store looks great, your foodservice program gets the attention—and sales—it deserves.

 

FAQ: Common Questions About Store Exteriors

Q: My store’s exterior is older. Will these tips still work?
Absolutely. Age doesn’t matter nearly as much as cleanliness, care, and consistency. Customers don’t expect a brand-new building—but they do notice if a space is tidy, well-lit, and welcoming. A freshly swept sidewalk, clean windows, and well-placed signage can go a long way toward building trust and encouraging repeat visits. Even a dated store can feel inviting with the right upkeep and attention to detail.

Q: I’m short-staffed. How can I fit this in?
We get it—every minute counts in a busy store. But exterior checks don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Try these time-saving strategies:

• Build it into shift routines: Add a curb check to your opening and closing procedures so it becomes second nature.
• Make it visual: Post a simple 3–4 point checklist in your back office as a reminder.
• Team it with deliveries: When your TBHC Delivers Account Manager visits, use that time to walk the outside together and identify any issues or updates needed.

Just a few minutes per shift can make a noticeable impact on how your store is perceived.

Q: Can TBHC Delivers help with exterior POP?
Yes—and we’re happy to! Your TBHC Delivers Account Manager is your go-to resource for branded outdoor signage and POP materials that help drive foot traffic and increase awareness of your pizza program. That includes:

• Window clings and decals
• Pump toppers, pole, and hose signs
• Banners and outdoor signage
• Limited-time promotion signage for seasonal pushes

   

Not sure what you already have or what you need? Ask your Account Manager to do a perimeter walk with you. Together, you can make sure your best-selling items are getting the attention they deserve—before customers even step through the door.

Let’s Take It Outside.

If you’re ready to boost sales, start from the outside in. Talk to your TBHC Delivers Account Manager about exterior POP placement, storefront signage, and easy curb appeal wins that help your foodservice program shine.