10 Types of Retail Signage

It might not seem like it at first, but the various types of signage in a retail store do more than just relay information. Retail signage attracts customers, influences buying decisions, improves communications, acts as a marketing approach, boosts branding, and so much more. Retail signage is valuable. Retailers need to be able to take advantage of them better.

Retail signage brings a lot of advantages to various businesses. This includes brand awareness, customer engagement, customer satisfaction, increased sales, and even better internal communication. Retailers only need to find ways to effectively leverage digital signage, and they can reap its benefits.

Here are a few retail signage statistics to put things into perspective:

• Nineteen percent of viewers decided to make an unplanned purchase of items promoted on retail digital signage, according to DotSignage. It’s clear that retail signage can capture the attention of shoppers and encourage them to buy something spontaneously, which drives more sales for businesses.
• Fifty-six percent of internal communication teams are considering increasing the use of digital signage within their organization, according to WebinarCare. This means that internal teams are aware of how digital signage can enhance their communications and want to leverage it more effectively.
• Around seventy-two percent of respondents believe that good signage is more important for a business than other marketing strategies like social media or newspaper advertisements. People know and believe in the power of good signage for retail businesses.
• Customer satisfaction in retail businesses increased by 46% when digital signage systems were incorporated. Retail signage can improve the customer experience, which can then lead to better satisfaction for them.
• Digital signage is responsible for an average increase of 3% in margin per transaction for restaurants, according to Digital Signage Today. This means that digital signage can impact sales in restaurants and food retail as well.
• Eighty percent of shoppers agreed they had entered a store because a digital sign caught their interest. Simply having digital signage, especially at the storefront, can invite customers to visit retail stores.
• According to a Samsung UK Retail Digital Signage Survey 2017, 84% of UK retailers believe digital signage leads to significant brand awareness. Even retailers and brands themselves believe that retail digital signage can lead to good results.
• Almost 85% of consumers reported that they found themselves drawn to bright and colorful signage. Aesthetically pleasing signage will surely appeal to customers and prospects.
• Sixty-four percent of digital signage users agreed that increased customer engagement is the main benefit of digital signage. This means that digital signage is an effective tool when it comes to engaging with customers.
• Almost 79% of the consumers in a poll by CustomNeon believe that retail signage reflects the quality of a business and what it offers. Shoppers know that signage is as good as an extension of a business and the products or services they offer to the public.

There are various types of retail signage retailers can get for their establishments, with each and every one of them serving their own purpose. These are adaptable, powerful, and beneficial when used effectively.

Here are the top 10 types of retail signage one should consider:

1. Exterior Signage

• Storefront Signage: This includes the main sign displaying the store's name and logo, which is often placed above the entrance.
• Window Graphics: These can include window decals, clings, or static and digital posters that promote sales, products, and special events.
• Outdoor Signage: This includes signs like billboards, sidewalk signs, and sandwich boards, which are used to attract passersby and communicate important messages.
• Pylon Signage: These are freestanding signs that help travelers, drivers, and locals know what businesses are in the buildings. This, of course, attracts more customers and helps with branding.

2. Interior Signage

• Department Signs: These signs indicate different sections or departments within a store. This makes it easier for customers to find what they're looking for.
• Aisle Signs: These signs help shoppers navigate the store by indicating the products and categories in each aisle.
• Sale Signs: Sale signs are temporary signs that highlight ongoing sales, discounts, or promotions.
• Informational Signs: These provide information such as store policies, return/exchange policies, and store hours. They could also inform the customers about upcoming events and specials.
• Wayfinding Signs: Wayfinding signs, though a bit similar to Department signs, still serve their own purpose. These help customers find their way around the store, such as restrooms, exits, and other essential locations.
• Shelf Labels: These are the price tags and product information displayed on shelves. Some retail stores also implement electronic shelf labels to replace paper tags and optimize their operations.

3. Promotional Signage

• Banners: Large banners can be hung both inside and outside the store to promote special events, new product launches, or seasonal promotions. This can be an effective marketing tool.
• Point of Purchase (POP) Displays: These displays are eye-catching displays strategically placed near checkout counters or within aisles. They’re used to promote specific products or encourage impulse purchases.
• End Cap Displays: End cap displays are signs and displays at the end of store shelves. These are often used to feature new or high-margin items.

4. Floor Signs or Graphics: Vinyl decals or stickers placed on the floor to guide foot traffic or promote products or promotions. These retail floor signs can effectively impact purchase decisions and guide people toward the right places.

5. Countertop or Tabletop Signs: These are small signs placed on top of counters or tables in retail businesses. They can hold simple information, announcements, or notices. They can also be used to display short menus for the convenience of diners.

6. Menu Boards: These are typically used in restaurants and cafes to display menu items and pricing. Some also prefer digital menu boards where graphics and displays can immediately be updated to reflect menu changes, happy hour specials, seasonal offers, and more.

7. Health and Safety Signs: These are signs that convey safety instructions, emergency exits, and other essential safety information. These are especially important in popular and packed locations.

8. Accessibility Signage: Accessibility signs can be placed outside or within the store premises to promote and inform customers about their accessibility features. This includes wheelchair ramps, handicap-accessible parking, handicap-accessible restrooms, and more.

9. Augmented Reality (AR) Displays: AR Displays are digital displays that make use of augmented reality technology. This provides an interactive experience for customers and a wealth of information for shoppers.

10. Digital Retail Signage:

• Digital LED Screens: These are high-definition screens used to display dynamic content, such as product videos, advertisements, and real-time promotions.
• Interactive Kiosks or Screens: Some retail businesses also implement self-service kiosks that allow customers to access information, browse products, and even place orders.

All these signage types are crucial in their own way. The choice lies within the retailers and how the signage will align with their brand, customer preferences, and the specific goals they aim to achieve. This includes attracting attention, increasing sales, or improving the shopping experience.

If you’re looking forward to incorporating signage or adding more to your retail store, SOLUM ESL can help. SOLUM provides an all-around electronic shelf label (ESL) solution that can be a part of your retail signage.

The Newton ESL is the choice for many businesses and brands. This is because, with advanced technology, robust features, and multiple size variations, Newton labels are more than enough to optimize marketing efforts, communication, and overall operations.

Here are the Newton ESL features you can leverage as shelf labels:

• 10x faster update speed
• Up to 7 pages of information display
• 7-color LED light indicator (Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, Sky Blue, White, Purple)
• Multiple screen sizes (1.6”, 2.2”, 2.6”, 2.7”, 2.9”, 4.2”, 4.3”, 7.5”, 11.6”)
• Customizable design
• Two multifunctional, programmable buttons
• Full Graphic E-ink Display for glare-free reading
• IP67 rating for dust and water resistance
• Built-in protection cover
• NFC capability for mobile or self-checkouts
• Location-based service
• AIMS label management system
• Up to 10 years of battery life

Newton ESL will be a good addition to any retail environment and help boost various aspects of your operations. This type of retail signage is small, easy, and can be quite impactful when used properly.