#sign display

Despite the growth of e-commerce, physical retail stores continue to dominate the shopping landscape. Data from the U.S. Department of Commerce shows that brick-and-mortar locations still generate roughly 85% of all retail sales. This means the in-store experience—whether in a large chain or a small local shop—remains a critical driver of success.

One of the most powerful tools in shaping that experience is signage. Effective retail signage not only draws people into your store but also guides them toward making purchasing decisions once they're inside. If your goal is to increase foot traffic and boost sales, refining your retail signage strategy is the perfect place to begin.

1. Make a Strong First Impression with Outdoor Signage

Think of your outdoor signage as your handshake with every potential customer. Whether you’re a big brand with a recognizable logo or a local business just starting, your signage needs to communicate who you are — fast.

For some stores, the key is clarity: large, bold letters that immediately convey what’s inside. For others, adding a touch of creativity with an eye-catching font or playful name can spark curiosity. Don’t forget about visual contrast; signs that pop against their background naturally draw the eye.

And if you’re rebranding or newly opened, ask yourself: what do people need to know at a glance? Whether it’s the type of service you offer or a signature product, make sure your outdoor sign does the talking before customers even step inside.

Floor Stand Sign Displays

2. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Sidewalk Signs

Not every customer comes through your door because of ads or referrals — many are simply passersby drawn in by curiosity. That’s where sidewalk signage shines.

The classic A-frame sign remains popular for showcasing deals, but why stop there? Vibrant acrylic poster stands can highlight your best-sellers, while feather flag banners towering up to 15 feet can be visible even from afar. These signs not only grab attention but also guide wandering shoppers toward your store entrance, increasing foot traffic effortlessly.

Signage Holder With Clips

3. Use Color to Direct Attention Inside Your Store

Once customers are inside, color becomes your best friend. Strategic use of bold, contrasting colors can steer attention exactly where you want it — be it a sale rack, new product, or promotional display.

Something as simple as a flash of red, teal, aqua, or yellow can capture attention from across the room. Amplify the effect by placing signage in sleek black metal frames, which help colors pop and make messages more noticeable. A good color strategy ensures that important deals and impulse buys don’t go unnoticed.

Counter Signage Display

4. Get Creative with Shapes and Statements

Sometimes, it’s not just about what the sign says, but how it looks. Unique shapes and minimal messaging can cut through the clutter of traditional signage.

A swiveled acrylic floor sign, for instance, can be rotated to highlight special promotions or trending products. Simple, bold words can also deliver a powerful message. One word — like “Gifts” or “Sale” — in large, clear font can instantly direct shoppers to specific sections of your store without overwhelming them with details.

5. Maximize Checkout Opportunities with Countertop Signs

Your sales strategy shouldn’t stop at the register. Countertop signs offer a final touchpoint to influence buying decisions and encourage last-minute purchases.

Small chalkboard signs can introduce new products or services, while acrylic table signs can promote special deals — think of restaurant table-top promos for happy hours or limited-time offers. Even counter mats near the register can subtly encourage customers to grab complementary items, like ice with soft drinks or brushes with paint sets. Don’t forget: a well-placed sign here can trigger conversations that lead to higher sales.

Final Thoughts: Test, Learn, and Optimize

Every store is unique, so effective signage requires a bit of experimentation. Test different styles, colors, and placements to see what resonates with your customers. And when you find strategies that work, lean into them while staying open to fresh ideas.

With over 40 years of experience in retail displays and signage, Solid Displays helps businesses like yours capture attention and boost sales. The right signage doesn’t just make your store look good — it brings in customers, keeps them engaged, and drives them to purchase more. Ready to transform your retail space? Let us help you make your storefront stand out.

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In today’s competitive retail landscape, signage is far more than decorative flair — it’s a strategic sales driver. From capturing attention with eye-catching window displays to guiding shoppers through your store and enabling informed purchases, well-designed custom signage shapes the customer journey from start to finish. To unlock its full potential, signage must be purposeful, well-planned, and aligned with both your brand identity and your audience.

This guide offers a practical, in-depth approach to mastering retail signage — covering everything from typography and messaging to material choices and ongoing upkeep.

1. Start With Purpose: Functionality and Persuasion

Every sign display in your store should serve a purpose. Signage can be grouped into two categories: purpose-built and persuasive.

Purpose-built signage focuses on navigation and information. Think: “Dressing Rooms,” “Accessories This Way,” or “New Arrivals.” These signs are practical and designed to assist the customer experience through clear direction.

Persuasive signage, on the other hand, serves to inspire action. These signs are infused with brand voice and creativity, using humor, wordplay, or bold design to grab attention and nudge customers toward a purchase.

Striking a balance between the 2 types allows your store to be both user-friendly and brand-forward.

Floor Stand Sign Displays

2. Exterior Signage: First Impressions Matter

Before a customer ever walks through your doors, they’ve already formed an opinion of your store. That’s why exterior signage must be eye-catching, relevant, and location-aware.

A bold, branded mural, a clever phrase in your window, or even an artistic backdrop that doubles as a photo op can go a long way in drawing foot traffic. But don’t assume one approach fits all, regional tastes, local culture, and customer demographics all influence how your signage will be perceived.

⚠️ Tip: Avoid stereotypes or overly playful references that might alienate rather than engage. What’s funny to one group might be off-putting to another.

3. Typography: The Subtle Power of Font Choice

Typography plays a surprisingly influential role in how POP signage is perceived. Fonts communicate more than words — they convey mood, brand positioning, and even product quality.

Luxury brands often use serif fonts with delicate strokes.

Trendy and youthful brands lean into sans-serif or hand-drawn typefaces.

Traditional businesses may stick to classic, highly legible fonts.

Keep readability top of mind. Limit yourself to no more than two font families per sign, ideally pairing a serif with a sans-serif for contrast. And always ensure that even elegant fonts remain easy to read at a glance, no one will stop to decipher overly stylized text.

Counter Signage Display

4. Go Beyond Words: The Visual Advantage

Text isn’t always the most effective way to communicate. In many cases, images and symbols can do the job faster and more efficiently, especially in multicultural neighborhoods or tourist-heavy areas where language barriers may exist.

Consider:

Icons that indicate restrooms, exits, or product categories.

Product photography that shows items in use.

Graphics that reflect your brand’s personality or tone.

Visuals also aid decision-making. Customers process images much faster than text, making visuals essential for impulse buying zones like checkout counters or endcaps.

5. Keep it Friendly: Avoid Harsh Messaging

The tone of your signage can impact how customers feel in your store. Instead of harsh or negative signs like “DO NOT TOUCH” or “NO PHOTOS,” rephrase with humor or warmth. For instance:

❌ "Do Not Sit"

✅ "This beauty is for display only—give her a wave, not a seat!"

This approach makes rules feel less like scolding and more like part of the brand experience.

6. Test, Evaluate, and Maintain

Even the most beautiful sign won’t help your business if it goes unnoticed. Testing is a crucial but often overlooked part of signage strategy.

View signage from different angles and heights to ensure visibility.

Test different versions (A/B testing) in multiple locations and track which performs better based on foot traffic or sales lift.

Ask for feedback from customers and staff, they often notice things you won’t.

Once installed, signage must be maintained regularly:

Replace worn paper signs or torn fabric graphics.

Fix flickering lights in illuminated signage.

Clean acrylic and plastic surfaces to keep them smudge-free and sharp.

Investing in durable materials — like acrylic signage — can save you maintenance headaches down the road while still offering a polished, professional look.

Signage Holder With Clips

Conclusion: Signage That Sells

At its best, custom POP signage display acts as a silent salesperson. It communicates, directs, persuades, and enhances your brand all at once. But like any marketing tool, it only works when thoughtfully designed and consistently managed.

Whether you're opening a new store or revamping an existing one, signage deserves just as much planning and creativity as your product displays. Get it right, and your signs will not only guide customers but also invite them to come back.

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