How Effective Are Flyers for Marketing Retail Stores? Why Smart Retailers Still Rely on Print

May 15

Retailers today have dozens of ways to reach customers—Instagram ads, email blasts, influencer partnerships, Google listings. But when you're trying to drive real, local, foot traffic, there’s one channel that still beats the rest: print flyers.

Yes, even in 2025, smart retailers are still asking: how effective are flyers for marketing, and are they worth it compared to digital?

The answer is a clear, data-backed yes—especially for retail stores looking to grow community presence, announce sales, or drive traffic to new locations. Flyers work, and they work exceptionally well when designed and delivered strategically.

Let’s break down why flyers remain one of the most profitable tools in retail marketing—and how you can use them to fill your store and grow your brand.

1. Retail Stores Need Local Traffic—Flyers Deliver It

For most brick-and-mortar retailers, proximity is everything. You need to reach shoppers who live or work nearby, not just people browsing online from miles away.

Flyers let you:

Target specific postal codes, neighborhoods, or even building types
Reach potential customers when they’re at home, planning errands
Deliver visual, persuasive offers that get noticed

Whether you're promoting a weekend sidewalk sale, a grand opening, or a clearance event, targeted flyer delivery helps you show up where it matters most.

🏙️ Learn why targeted delivery beats mass distribution for local retailers.

2. Real Results: Why Flyers Outperform Online Ads for Retail

Flyer Canada’s performance metrics for retailers show why more store owners are turning to print:

4.4% average conversion rate, significantly higher than typical digital click-throughs
51.8% lower customer acquisition costs
3x to 29x ROI, especially for seasonal events and new store launches

These aren’t vanity numbers—they represent customers walking into stores, not just clicking ads.

💡 Check out this 6-figure flyer case study to see how a small campaign can create massive returns.

3. Flyers Work for All Types of Retail Promotions

One of the reasons flyers are so effective is that they’re flexible. You can use them to promote:

Grand openings or re-openings
Seasonal clearance events
VIP shopping nights or private sales
Loyalty programs or club signups
Holiday specials (Valentine’s, Back to School, Black Friday)
New product lines or store renovations

When shoppers receive a high-quality flyer with a compelling offer, it gives them a reason to prioritize your store in their shopping plans.

🛍️ Learn how to create compelling offers with flyers that inspire immediate action.

4. Flyers Build In-Store Excitement and FOMO

Digital ads are easy to ignore. Flyers, on the other hand, can spark real urgency and anticipation—especially when they include limited-time offers or exclusive in-store perks.

Examples that convert:

“Bring this flyer for 20% off this weekend only”
“Exclusive offer: First 50 customers get a free gift”
“In-store only: Scratch to reveal your discount”

These types of flyers don’t just drive traffic—they create energy in your store.

Want to balance great design with conversion psychology? See why flyer design focused on ROI beats pure aesthetics.

5. Case Study: Boutique Retailer Sees 11.6x ROI

A boutique fashion retailer in downtown Toronto ran a “3 Days Only: Warehouse Blowout” flyer campaign with Flyer Canada.

They dropped 8,000 flyers within a 3 km radius and included:

A 25% off in-store code
QR code to view sale items online
Countdown timer to build urgency

In just one weekend, they saw:

283 in-store visits
$21,570 in total sales
41 new loyalty sign-ups
11.6x ROI

The best part? Many new shoppers returned within the following month.

6. Flyers Stay Visible Longer Than Digital Ads

How long does an Instagram ad stay in front of your customer? A few seconds—if you're lucky.

A flyer, on the other hand:

Gets held, saved, pinned to fridges or bulletin boards
Can be shared among family or friends
Builds multiple impressions over days or weeks

This kind of physical stickiness is a huge advantage in retail, where timing and reminders drive repeat visits.

Learn how consistent campaigns help brand recall in our guide on flyer repetition.

7. Flyers Combine Beautifully With Digital Tools

Retailers don’t need to choose between flyers and digital—they can use both together to create a seamless experience.

Try adding:

QR codes to your online shop or Google Reviews
Promo codes that can be redeemed in-store or online
Instagram or TikTok handles to grow social media
Email signup incentives linked from the flyer

This multichannel approach drives traffic wherever customers prefer to shop.

For full-funnel flyer strategies, visit how to effectively use marketing flyers for your business.

8. Flyers Offer Predictable Costs and Clear Tracking

Unlike social media ads or Google campaigns—where algorithms shift and costs rise—flyers offer:

Flat-rate pricing
Guaranteed delivery quantities
Easy coupon or code-based tracking
Real-world ROI you can measure by foot traffic and POS data

Retailers love this predictability. It makes budgeting simpler and allows for repeatable results month after month.

9. Build Loyalty and Referrals—Not Just Sales

Flyers also support:

Referral programs (e.g., “Bring a friend and save 15%”)
Customer retention efforts (VIP early access)
Event invitations that feel personal

Retail marketing isn’t just about selling once—it’s about building relationships with local shoppers. Flyers help you start those relationships in a way digital ads often can't.

So… How Effective Are Flyers for Marketing Retail Businesses?

Flyers are more than effective—they’re essential for local retail growth.

They:

Drive immediate foot traffic
Promote seasonal offers
Encourage repeat visits and loyalty
Work seamlessly with digital channels
Deliver consistent, trackable ROI

If you're a retailer who depends on local shoppers, there’s no better way to get your brand into homes—and on shopping lists—than a well-executed flyer campaign.

Ready to Grow Your Retail Store With Flyers?

Flyer Canada helps retailers across Canada design, print, and deliver flyers that convert browsers into buyers.

Whether you're launching a new store, promoting a big event, or just want to increase your foot traffic—our team is ready to help.

📞 Ready to boost your retail sales quickly and reliably? Flyer Canada is here to help.

Let’s start your successful retail flyer marketing campaign today!

Emerson Buhat