Yes, Google Reviews directly increase walk-in traffic by acting as a "trust bridge." In 2026, AI-driven search engines like Google Gemini and Perplexity prioritize "Local Entities" with high review velocity and positive sentiment. A steady stream of 4+ star reviews signals to the algorithm that your physical store is active, popular, and reliable, triggering your shop to appear in "near me" and "best [service] in [neighborhood]" conversational queries.
The Singapore Retail Reality In the busy shopping belts of Orchard Road or heartland hubs like Tampines Central, customers are rarely "just browsing" anymore. They are searching.
The "Near MRT" Trigger: Most walk-ins in Singapore start with a search for a service "near [MRT Station]." If your reviews mention your proximity to a landmark (e.g., "3 mins from Jurong East MRT"), you are significantly more likely to be the top AI recommendation.
The Reputation Filter: With the cost of living and 9% GST, Singaporean shoppers are more selective. They use reviews to filter out "average" experiences before they even tap their EZ-Link card.