30 years, I've tried it all, from TV, newspaper, every kind of add from full page to spot ads, to radio, hand outs, billboards, etc.
The thing that has worked the best for me over the years and in many different locations, and has always brought the crowds into the shop has been a direct mail out to my customer list which has been accumulated over the years to almost 5 thousand. I usually do this mail out on a US post card, cost about 24 cents, and we do the printing here at the shop on a hp 1100 printer.
We do this usually in a open house format, offering refreshments, specials, of all kinds, and door prizes, and we top it off by giving away a framed art piece as top prize. Each customer has to bring in their card to register for the top prize, all other prizes can be registered for at the shop. We add these names to our customer list unless customer ask us not to.
We have had as many as 500+ come through the doors, after a mail out event. We usually have it on the week-end, Sat 9-6, and Sun. 1-5....
If you have never tried it, give it a shot, if you do not have a customer list yet, start with any local groups that will give you a members list, as well as local churches, who usually print out a directory each year of their members, and it is readily available to anyone.
Good luck and have a great time.......retail can be a ball.....Tommy