In 2025 in order for furniture stores to stand out against their competitors, often it means retailers must offer more than more than stylish sectionals and quality craftsmanship. Furniture retailers must also rely on data-driven decisions to optimize their operations and develop a rapport with their customers. One of the most overlooked—but most powerful—tools available to brick-and-mortar furniture stores is the people counter.
These devices may seem simple at first glance, but their impact on sales, staffing, marketing, and customer experience is significant. Let’s explore how people counters are transforming furniture sales and why every store—from family-owned showrooms to national chains—should consider implementing them.
What Are People Counters and How Do They Work?
People counters are electronic devices, typically installed at store entrances, that count the number of individuals entering and exiting the premises. More advanced systems use video analytics to collect more detailed data, such as:
- Direction of movement
- Dwell time in specific areas
- Repeat visits
- Customer flow patterns
This real-time and historical data can be integrated with point-of-sale systems, staffing schedules, and marketing tools, offering a clear view of how your store is performing beyond just sales numbers.
Why Furniture Retail Needs People Counters
Unlike convenience stores or fast-fashion retailers, furniture stores operate in a space where customer intent is high but sales cycles are longer. People don’t typically browse casually—they visit with a purpose: to test comfort, check dimensions, compare styles, or make a major purchase.
In this context, understanding who walks through your doors—and when, and how often—becomes mission-critical.
1. Conversion Rate Clarity
Sales alone don’t tell the full story. Without knowing how many people visit your store, you can’t calculate true conversion rates. If 400 people enter your showroom in a week and you make 50 sales, your conversion rate is 12.5%. This helps set realistic sales goals, evaluate employee performance, and refine your marketing approach.
2. Strategic Staffing Decisions
People counter data can identify your peak traffic hours, days, and seasons. With this information, you can:
- Schedule more team members during high-traffic windows.
- Avoid overstaffing during slower periods.
- Improve customer service by ensuring associates are available when needed most.
3. Enhanced Marketing Effectiveness
Launching a new advertising campaign? Hosting a weekend sale? People counters help you track whether your efforts result in increased foot traffic. By comparing visits before, during, and after a promotion, you gain direct insight into marketing ROI.
4. Smarter Store Layouts and Product Placement
Some advanced people counters can track movement patterns, letting you know which areas customers frequent and which they avoid. Use this data to:
- Optimize product placement
- Reconfigure furniture displays
- Direct customer flow to key sales areas
Real-World Impact: From Insight to Action
Knowing how many people are in-store helps managers monitor close ratios by sales associate. This allows for more targeted coaching, training, and recognition, leading to better sales performance.
Reduced Missed Opportunities
If traffic is steady but sales are low, it may not be your product—it may be your process. Perhaps customers aren’t being greeted promptly, or sales staff are overwhelmed. People counter data can pinpoint the exact times these issues arise so they can be corrected.
Improved Customer Experience
Furniture shopping can be stressful—there’s a lot to compare and consider. When a store is adequately staffed and efficiently laid out based on foot traffic trends, customers enjoy a smoother, more enjoyable experience, which increases the chance they’ll return or recommend the store.
Case Study: How TraxSales Helps Furniture Retailers Succeed
One of the industry leaders in people counting technology is TraxSales, offering specialized solutions for furniture and home goods retailers. TraxSales goes beyond counting—it delivers visual analytics, employee accountability tools, and integration with sales systems.
Furniture retailers using TraxSales have seen:
- 15–30% increases in close rates
- Enhanced team performance through daily traffic and sales tracking
- Increased visibility into peak hours, helping optimize everything from staffing to promotional events
By giving store managers and executives the tools to see the full customer journey, TraxSales enables data-backed decisions that directly lead to revenue growth.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Just Sell—Strategize
Furniture is a relationship-based business. Customers invest time, money, and trust when purchasing pieces for their home. As a retailer, your ability to understand customer behavior and tailor your operations accordingly can make all the difference.
People counters offer an affordable, reliable, and incredibly valuable layer of insight. From analyzing marketing effectiveness to optimizing staffing and enhancing the customer experience, these tools aren’t just about numbers—they’re about growth.
If you’re serious about increasing your furniture store’s performance, it’s time to start counting what matters. President of Sales Spencer Mink is available at 330-319-1445 or you can set up a meeting with him at your convenience.
