How a Downtown Spartanburg Café Doubled Customer Traffic After Switching to Polished Concrete Floors
When business owners think about increasing foot traffic, flooring isn’t usually the first strategy that comes to mind. But for one downtown Spartanburg café, a simple switch to polished concrete floors made all the difference. Within a few months, they saw customer traffic double—and the transformation didn’t stop there.
Polished concrete floors aren’t just about aesthetics. They’re about functionality, durability, and the kind of visual appeal that makes people stop, look, and stay. In this post, we’ll break down how this flooring change created measurable business growth, what other commercial spaces can learn from it, and why polished concrete floors are becoming a go-to option for modern businesses.
Why Polished Concrete Floors Work So Well in High-Traffic Spaces
Polished concrete floors offer a rare combination of sleek appearance and industrial strength. Unlike tile or wood, which can crack, warp, or require constant upkeep, polished concrete can handle heavy foot traffic with minimal maintenance.
Benefits That Matter for Small Businesses
- Low Maintenance: The café cut back on routine cleaning costs thanks to the smooth surface that resists dirt and spills.
- Durability: No chipping, no peeling. This floor has stood up to constant use with no visible wear.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Customers began complimenting the modern, clean design, which added to the overall ambiance of the café.
According to the Concrete Polishing Council, polished concrete surfaces can last more than 20 years with proper care. That means fewer repairs and replacements down the line—critical for businesses with slim operating margins.
How the Floor Upgrade Affected Customer Perception
Customers aren’t just buying coffee—they’re buying atmosphere. After installing polished concrete floors, the café’s owners noticed more walk-ins and longer dwell times.
What Changed?
- First Impressions Improved: The old tile flooring was dull and inconsistent. The new floor reflected natural light, making the café appear brighter and more inviting.
- Instagram Moments Increased: Customers started posting more interior shots online, unintentionally boosting the café’s visibility.
- Repeat Visits Rose: A cleaner, more stylish space made people want to come back—and bring friends.
This isn’t unique to Spartanburg. Studies show that design upgrades, especially flooring, can directly impact customer satisfaction and time spent in a retail or hospitality setting (source).
Real Numbers: What the Café Actually Gained
Within 90 days of installing the new floor, the café’s traffic and revenue saw measurable gains. Here’s what they reported:
- Customer visits increased by 2x compared to the same period the year before.
- Social media check-ins rose by 37%.
- Weekly revenue increased by 18%.
It wasn’t just about more people. It was about higher ticket sizes and more efficient staff movement due to the floor’s smooth surface.
Quick Cost-Benefit Snapshot:
| Cost Category | Before (Old Flooring) | After (Polished Concrete) |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly Maintenance | $75 | $20 |
| Floor Repairs (avg/year) | $400 | $0 |
| Customer Footfall (per day) | ~65 | ~130 |
What to Consider Before Making the Switch
Polished concrete isn’t for every space, but it fits perfectly in cafes, restaurants, and retail stores. Here’s a quick checklist before committing:
- Is your subfloor in good shape? Existing concrete slabs should be crack-free or easy to patch.
- Do you want a glossy or matte finish? Both offer unique styles, but glossy tends to reflect more light.
- Are you prepared for short downtime? Installation usually takes 2–3 days for small commercial spaces.
Consulting with a flooring professional can help tailor the design to match your space’s layout and branding.
Conclusion: It's Not Just a Floor—It's a Business Strategy
For the café in downtown Spartanburg, switching to polished concrete floors wasn’t just a design upgrade. It was a turning point for the business. The increased customer traffic, improved ambiance, and long-term cost savings made it one of their best decisions to date.
If you’re ready to transform your commercial space into a customer magnet, reach out to Blastek Concrete Designs. Their expert team can help you create a polished concrete floor that supports your brand—and your bottom line.
FAQ
How long does it take to install polished concrete floors in a café?
Most installations in small commercial spaces like cafés take 2–3 days, including surface prep and polishing.
Are polished concrete floors slippery?
Despite their shine, polished concrete offers good traction when properly sealed and maintained, especially in dry conditions.
Do polished concrete floors stain easily?
With the right sealant, these floors resist stains from spills, making them ideal for restaurants and cafes.
How much does it cost to polish concrete floors?
Prices vary but typically range from $3 to $8 per square foot depending on the level of finish and size of the area.
