7 Ways to Use Signage in Your Store
Signs can be used to display all kinds of information in a store. By exploring different types of signage, you can create all kinds of effects from attracting customers to preventing customer injuries. Below are 7 of the different ways that you can use signs around your store.
Marketing
Marketing is probably the most common usage for signs in a store. There are many types of exterior signs that can be used to help your store stand out. These include:
- Fascia signs: The large sign found above the entrance of a store.
- Projecting signs: These project out of the side of your store wall.
- Shop window signs: These are printed or stuck on your shop window.
- A-frame chalkboards: These are usually positioned on the pavement outside.
- Pylon signs: These are usually placed by the side of a road to grab the attention of drivers.
Such signs need to stand out and make your store look attractive. Bold fonts, colours and lighting can be fun ways to make your signage more salient. At the same time, it’s important that a sign reflects your brand identity. By working with a signage company, you can create a unique sign that grabs people’s attention.
It’s worth noting that signs for marketing can also be used inside your store to advertise certain products or promotions. Such signs should similarly reflect your brand identity and can also be made to stand out using tricks like fonts and lighting (you can even use LED screens to advertise via slideshow or video).
Directions
Signs can also be used to provide directions to customers such as guiding them to different sections of your store. Large department stores typically have a sign explaining what can be found on each floor. You can also use signs to direct customers to parking, toilets, dressing rooms or the checkout.
Categorisation
Many stores use signs to categorise different departments or sections. This can help to organise products and help customers find what they need. You can also use signs on toilet doors to identify toilets for men and women, or use signs to categorise parking for different types of customers such as disabled parking or parent parking.
Product information
Signs are commonly used in stores to provide information on products such as the product name, pricing, size, weight and calories (in the case of food). Cafes and bars may use menu signs to list different types of products. These can be found outside the store or inside the store above the counter.
Instructions
You can also use signs to provide instructions to customers and employees. This includes ‘push’ and ‘pull’ signs on doors, or a sign telling customers to ‘queue here’ to help improve efficiency. These signs can also be used to enforce rules such as ‘no smoking’ or ‘staff only’.
Health and safety
Another important usage for signage is health and safety. There are many signs around your store that you can use to prevent injuries such as ‘mind your head’ signs, ‘caution hot water’ signs or ‘caution wet floor’ signs. Different types of colours can be used to categorise different types of dangers. Even if customers ignore these signs, having them can be important for legally protecting yourself.
Atmosphere
In some stores, signs are simply used to create an atmosphere. ‘Welcome’ signs can provide a warm reception as customers enter, while other signs can be used throughout your store to invoke other emotions such as an ‘mmm..’ on a wall of a cafe to stimulate people’s appetite or a ‘relax…’ sign in a bath bomb shop to encourage relaxation. Some stores even use signs to display inspiring quotes or funny jokes.
This is a collaborative post.
