How to Attract Customers to Your Coffee Shop

There’s something special about a coffee shop. It’s more than just a place to grab a flat white. It’s where people go to work, catch up with friends, take a break from the world, and find a sense of belonging. In a highly competitive coffee market, it takes more than quality beans to get customers through the door and keep them coming back.

Let’s be honest – we don’t run coffee shops ourselves. But we do supply them. And we’ve worked with hospitality businesses of every size across the UK for over half a century. That includes cafés, restaurants, hotels and event venues. We also know a thing or two about attracting customers, because our own business depends on it.

So if you’re looking for fresh ways to boost footfall and create a space people love, you might find something new in our take.

How to Attract Customers to Your Coffee Shop - BE Furniture Sales

Know The People You Serve

Understanding your customers is essential to shaping the experience you offer. Different types of people visit coffee shops for various reasons. When your space, service and seating reflect what matters to them, you’ll start to build lasting loyalty.

You might recognise a few of these familiar faces:

The Loyal Regular: Reliable and routine, they usually order the same drink and sit in the same spot. A comfy seat and a warm welcome go a long way.

The Freelancer: Often seen with a laptop and a latte, they value strong Wi-Fi, plug sockets and a calm environment where they can focus.

The Socialite: They love a well-lit corner for an Instagram story. Their experience is as visual as it is social.

The Espresso Lover: They’re in and out quickly, but they care about the quality. They expect efficiency and great coffee with no fuss.

The Hipster: They’re interested in the story behind the beans, the origin, the process. Aesthetics and sustainability matter to them.

The Sweet Tooth: They see coffee as a treat and often pair it with a cake or indulgent drink. Ambience and menu variety will keep them coming back.

When you cater to each customer type thoughtfully, you can build a space that feels personal for everyone.

Create A Space People Want To Stay In

First impressions matter, and nothing shapes the atmosphere of your café like its interior. Your layout and furniture don’t just serve a purpose — they set the tone for the entire experience.

Choosing the right café furniture can mean the difference between a quick visit and a customer who stays for hours. A sturdy wooden table, a comfortable chair with some give, and good lighting can turn a first-time visitor into a loyal regular.

Think about:

Comfortable seating that suits both quick coffee runs and longer visits
Flexible arrangements to accommodate groups, solos, and laptop workers
A style that reflects your brand – whether it’s rustic charm, sleek minimalism or something different
Outdoor furniture if you have the space – perfect for sunny mornings and dog walkers

If certain areas are underused, it might be worth rethinking the layout. Sometimes, rearranging furniture or changing the position of your counter can improve the flow and help customers feel more at ease.

We’ve supplied everything from small cafés to large chains and pop-up coffee stalls. We know cafe furniture needs to look good, last longer and work hard every single day.

Make Every Visit Memorable

The best coffee shops are the ones people remember. That doesn’t always come down to the drinks on offer. Sometimes it’s the friendly hello at the counter, the warm lighting, or the smell of something freshly baked that brings people back.

Simple touches can make a huge difference:

Offer a menu with a few surprises or seasonal items to keep things fresh
Cater to different dietary needs to make everyone feel welcome
Create a playlist that matches your brand and keeps the mood just right
Invest in decent takeaway cups with your branding for a bit of mobile advertising
Keep things tidy, clean and well presented at all times

Comfortable spaces with good service invite repeat visits. Uncomfortable seating, poor lighting or a cold atmosphere will do the opposite. Be intentional about the kind of environment you want to create, and let that guide your decisions.

Host Events And Create A Buzz

Community is at the heart of every great coffee shop. Events are a brilliant way to bring people together and introduce new customers to your space.

You don’t need to go big. Simple ideas often work best:

Acoustic music evenings or open mic nights
Latte art throwdowns or barista demos
Local business networking mornings
Charity fundraisers or awareness events

You could even let others use your space to host their meetups. It brings footfall and builds goodwill without requiring much from you.

Furniture that’s easy to move and rearrange makes event planning far simpler. Tables that fold or stack, stools that tuck away neatly – these practical elements make a difference when space is limited.

Build Your Online Presence

Even if your café thrives on in-person visits, your digital presence matters. A strong social media profile, a basic website, and good Google reviews can bring new customers through the door every single day.

Try sharing:

Behind-the-scenes glimpses of your team at work
Photos of your interior and your food and drink offering
Stories from your regulars (with their permission)
Updates on events, specials and seasonal items

Think of your coffee shop as a brand, not just a business. The more familiar and approachable it feels online, the more likely people are to visit in person.

Good lighting, attractive furniture, and consistent style will also help your photos stand out on social platforms like Instagram or Facebook. Create a space people want to post about, and you’ll enjoy free publicity with every selfie.

Listen, Learn And Improve

Customer feedback isn’t just helpful – it’s essential. A quick chat, a polite suggestion, or a review can offer insight into things you might not notice yourself.

Encourage feedback in whatever way suits your shop:

Quick comment cards or QR code surveys
A friendly check-in from staff during quieter times
Casual conversation at the till

People are more likely to leave negative reviews online if they feel they weren’t heard in person. By welcoming feedback, you not only improve your offering but also strengthen relationships.

Customers want to know that their opinion matters. If they see you taking action on something they’ve mentioned, they’ll be far more likely to return.

Make Smart, Stylish Choices

Updating your space doesn’t always mean a complete refurbishment. Sometimes, a few simple changes can breathe new life into your café.

Consider:

Fresh cushions or new tabletops to refresh the look
Comfortable chairs with modern design to match your brand
Branded takeaway cups for on-the-go exposure
Chalkboard signs outside to highlight daily specials or offers
Loyalty cards to reward returning customers

Furniture plays a vital role here. Choose well, and it becomes a talking point. Choose poorly, and it becomes a reason not to return. Look for durability, comfort, and style that reflects your café’s identity.

At BE Furniture Sales, we’ve been helping cafés find the perfect mix of practicality and personality for years. Whether you’re starting from scratch or simply refreshing your look, we’re here to help.

From One Coffee Lover to Another

There are few better feelings than watching your coffee shop fill with people who genuinely enjoy being there. It takes time to build that kind of atmosphere – and every choice, from your playlist to your chairs, plays a part.

We may not serve cappuccinos, but we know what goes into creating places where people love to be. After all, both our furniture sales and event furniture hire businesses have stood the test of time thanks to loyal customers and great coffee.

So if you’re looking to attract more people to your café, start by thinking about the experience you’re offering. Build a space that feels warm, welcoming and well put together. Treat every detail with care.

And when you need furniture that helps bring that vision to life, you know where to find us.