Planning how to reach new customers is essential for growing a retail business. Each business is unique, and the varying approaches to creating a customer acquisition strategy reflect that. 

For retailers, offering lease-to-own as an alternative to financing may help you connect with new customers. Lease-to-own with Acima Leasing is an option that offers your customers an accessible way to shop for the items they need. As you expand your customer base, let’s explore what customer acquisition involves and a few strategy tips you can consider to engage new customers. While these are not step-by-step plans, they can offer insights. Read on to learn about areas worth exploring as you develop your method to grow your customer base. 

Customer Acquisition: Planning for Growth 

The customer acquisition strategy process can feel overwhelming, but here are three ideas to consider as you start: 

• Make a Plan: Think about where you want your business to grow and set clear goals to guide your efforts (1). 

• Identify Customers: Consider who your customers are and what they need most from your business (1). 

• Share Why: Communicate why shopping with your business can benefit your customers (1). 

Approaches to Address Challenges 

Many retail businesses compete for customers’ attention. While there is no simple solution to this challenge, exploring ways to stay competitive is worthwhile. 

Differentiation 

It's not new that retail businesses seek to stand out in a crowded industry. Offering a lease-to-own solution could help you differentiate by providing an alternative to financing. Nearly half of U.S. consumers are non-prime consumers (3). This means they are looking for shopping options that allow them to get what they need without using credit*. 

A lease-to-own solution through Acima Leasing allows customers to apply quickly with a simple process that takes just minutes. If a customer’s lease application is approved, they have the opportunity to be approved to lease eligible merchandise up to $5,000**. By offering this option, retailers can show their customers that they are inclusive of their shopping preferences (2). 

Leveraging Technology 

Technology offers many opportunities to enhance the customer experience, but finding the right fit requires careful research and planning. For example, eCommerce businesses working with Acima Leasing can explore how technology and lease-to-own can impact the eCommerce customer experience here on our website. 

Retailers who work with Acima Leasing can also benefit from additional visibility through our online store locator. This tool connects customers with in-store and eCommerce businesses that offer a lease-to-own solution with Acima Leasing. Customers can filter by product categories, making it easier to find stores that carry the items they’re looking for. By being included in the locator, retailers are accessible to more customers actively searching for lease-to-own options. 

Drive Growth with a Smart Shopping Solution 

Ready to enhance your customer acquisition efforts? Acima Leasing offers an alternative to financing that helps you connect with a broader audience. Providing customers with accessible ways to shop for the items they need can help set your business apart. Contact us today to learn how Acima Leasing can support your goal of reaching new customers. 

Sources: 

1. Forbes Business Council. "The Four Pillars of Customer Acquisition Strategy." Forbes, 15 Aug. 2022, https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2022/08/15/the-four-pillars-of-customer-acquisition-strategy/. Accessed 7 Jan. 2025. 

2. PYMNTS. "75 Percent of Lease-to-Own Consumers Say It’s Their Only Option for Durable Goods." PYMNTS, 5 Aug. 2021, https://www.pymnts.com/news/retail/2021/75-percent-lease-to-own-consumers-say-only-option-durable-goods/. Accessed 7 Jan. 2025. 

3. “The Consumer Credit Card Market.” Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, September 2021, https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_consumer-credit-card-market-report_2021.pdf