You’ve probably got a meticulous business plan, but does it include a functional and aesthetically pleasing parking area or consider the proximity and design of public parking and privately owned garages? Most customers will not wait in line for parking, deciding to try their luck elsewhere instead. Without adequate parking capacity and efficiently designed lots, you may be hurting your business’s bottom line. To get customers through your doors, here are the top 5 features of a great parking lot:

Efficient layout for easy navigation

The layout of your parking lot can determine whether the traffic flow is smooth or ends up severely congested. If you’re parking lot or garage is not easily accessible, customers may opt to take their business elsewhere. There are several elements you can incorporate into your lot to keep congestion at bay, including directional arrows and striping for easy-to-understand traffic patterns and convenient pedestrian walkways to prevent people from slowing the flow. Angled parking spaces and one-way lanes also make parking and leaving much easier.

Safety measures for pedestrian well-being and crime prevention

You may be leaving yourself vulnerable to premise liability claims if you do not incorporate adequate safety features into your parking lot or garage design. Accidents can easily be prevented with the appropriate signage, painted curbs, speed bumps and traffic buttons, pedestrian walkways, and proper lighting. Lighting may even help deter criminals, as they would not have the disguise of darkness.

Curb appeal: looks matter

Parking is the gateway to your business, the welcome mat in front of the door. Do you want that mat to say “beat it” or “come on in”? The addition of trees, shrubbery, and flowers can be an inviting retreat from the surrounding concrete landscape. Parking lot maintenance is equally as important. Fix those cracks, keep those lines vibrant and the lights working, and beautify the pavement with a parking lot seal like Asphalt Slurry Seal.

Parking in the shade

Did you know trees “sweat” to cool themselves off? It’s called transpiration cooling. Trees and plants absorb water through their roots and release water vapor through their “pores” or stomata, cooling themselves and the surrounding area in the process. Shady areas beneath trees can be as much as 40 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the surrounding area. Planting trees in medians and the surrounding perimeter is an easy way to keep your customers comfortable.

EV charging stations

With the recent release of electric vehicles with ranges over two hundred miles, electric cars are becoming a practical option for commuters and long-distance travelers. Though EV charging stations aren’t a requirement, they are an attractive perk to draw in customers. While recharging, people will be looking for ways to pass the 30 minutes to an hour it takes for a sufficient charge. Why not let them pass the time in your store or restaurant?

If you’d like to improve your parking area to draw customers and drive sales, contact Curcio Enterprises today! We provide a full array of services, from general parking lot maintenance, paving, and striping to traditional and customized graphic designs signage. We’ll customize design and layout to your specific business needs!