Signs are crucial for retail businesses to communicate their brand and products to potential customers because without signs, people simply do not know what you have on offer.
Despite the age of the internet where conducting business online is nowadays a norm, many retail based businesses still rely on their premises to win customers. Be that a café, a restaurant, a shoe shop, a hairdressing salon or an estate agent, the message you place on the premises can make a big difference to your flow of customers.
In theory, the larger the sign and the more people it is exposed to, the greater the impact. For this reason, signs must be strategically placed for it to make the most impact. In this blog, we will look at the retail signs that generates the most potential business.
Pavement Signs
One of the most important signs for any retail business is a pavement sign because they visually jump in front of passing traffic. This sign helps overcome the biggest hurdle in developing a relationship with your customers and also creates the first impression with them.
The message and the style of your pavement sign is crucial in winning the business. A poorly written sales message will drive customers away from your shop, whereas a clear and compelling message will bring customers through the door.
Café Barriers
Another powerful sign that is similar to pavement signs is the café barrier. These are mainly used by cafes and restaurants but can be a very effective sign to communicate your brand. They give your customers a sense of privacy whilst dining or using your space, creating a more enjoyable experience and leaving a positive impression. For more information on the permissions required for owning a café barrier, head over to our blog diving into this topic.
Lamp Post Banners
These banners can increase your brand awareness and traffic flow to your store. Potential customers don’t even need to be walking past your shop as lamp post banners are designed to be placed anywhere nearby, such as in the streets, forecourts or inside shopping malls. Lamp post banners are one of the best signs for raising brand awareness and creating a lasting image without anyone visiting your store.
Cable Displays
Cable displays are primarily used inside shop windows. Their advantage like pavement signs is that they catch the attention of passers-by and encourage them to interact with your brand. They allow potential customers to see the products you offer, for example properties for sale listed by an estate agent.
The advantage is that retail businesses can display more products and information, unlike pavement signs where information space is limited.
Their drawback is that they don’t capture as much attention as pavement signs which are more prominently placed on sidewalks. Nevertheless, cable displays do drive customers into the shop if they see something they are interested in.
Window Stickers
Window stickers are similar to cable displays as the aim is to attract passers-by via the shop window. They are similar to pavement signs in that you can display sales, special offers and specific products to attract attention. However, they are often more artistically visual making them a great at attracting attention. Many retail stores use window stickers to tie in with their window displays and seasonal branding to create a showstopping store front.
Menu Boards
Menu boards are most suited for hospitality or beauty establishments. There are two types of outdoor menu boards, wall mounted menu boards and menu stands. The style you should choose depends entirely on the layout of the retail premises, as well as the customer journey you are trying to create.
For maximum effectiveness, it is best to use a combination of wall mounted menu boards and menu stands. It is important that the design and colour of the menus are consistent throughout and match your company branding.
Chalkboards
Perhaps one of the most versatile forms of retail displays is the chalkboard. Though essentially a pavement sign, this sign eliminates the need to reprint posters or menus when products change or special offers are available. They are commonly seen around food establishments but are effective for many types of retail stores which frequently changing promotions and messaging.
One of the best ways to get noticed is by placing retail signs in strategic high-traffic spots. Keep in mind, most people walking by have no intention of entering your store so you should give them a reason to! Highlight your USP and what makes your store different from the others on the high street. Whether that’s great deals, new novelty products, special events, these USP’s will encourage foot traffic to enter your shop and find out more.
For promotions and new products, pavement signs and window stickers work wonders as they easily catch the attention of people passing by. Lamp post banners are also great for letting people know about your brand and making them aware of your presence. Chalkboards are ideal for stores with frequently changing messaging and are a more environmentally-friendly option as they require no repeat printing. The retail signs you decide to use will depend on your brands individual needs and goals. Its important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each product to find the right one for your store.
