If you’re considering opening a retail store, you already know that you have many things to consider. Of course there are the major items, such as product lines and leasing a space. When you’re ready to begin considering the smaller details, make sure that retail signage is at the top of your list. Not only will you have to consider how you want to use signage and what you want it to look like, but also how much of it you need, the material you want it printed on, how you plan on displaying it, and how frequently you intend to swap it out for new, updated signage. With so many things to consider, it is in your best interest as a retail store owner to consult with a professional signage company that can help you determine what signage options are best for your store.

You’ve probably assumed that retail signage was all basically the same, printed on the same materials, and hung in the same fashion. Well you could not be more wrong! A consultant from a retail signage company can sit down with you and go over all of your options. First of all, you will have to decide what type of material you would like your retail signage printed on. Regular or heavy paper stock? Card stock? Canvas? A plastic-based material? Would you like the finish matte, glossy, metallic, or somewhere in between? You will also have to decide upon an appropriate thickness for the signage and whether you would like it printed double sided. You are probably feeling pretty overwhelmed by now, and that is precisely why you should consult with a printing professional.

You also must consider how you want to mount your retail signage; it will affect how the signage is constructed. Once again, you will have several options to choose from. You can place your signs on an easel, hang them in a frame, suspend it from wires, or display them in stands on your shelves. Some of these display methods will require that you use specific materials; others will be more flexible. Each display method requires certain fixtures as well, such as frames, wires, tracks, and rods. Consult with your signage company to find out what you will need for each type of signage. They might even be able to provide and install the fixtures for you. If not, they will at least be able to refer you to someone who can, and they help you to work out the dimensions of the fixtures based on the size of the signage you have selected.

Another consideration is what you will be putting on the signs. Now, that one sounds obvious. Of course you have to know what will be printed on them. Why would you be getting retail signage printed if you didn’t know what you were going to be putting on it? What you need to realize, though, is that it goes beyond simply deciding what the content will be. You must decide how the content and colors will affect what type of signage you choose. Will you need embossing or debossing on any of the images or lettering? Will the design fit a standard shape and size, or will you have to get it custom cut? Are there cutouts anywhere in the middle? The variety of colors you choose and the intricacy of any images or patterns will affect the method of rendering the printing (for example, whether you use digital or offset printing), which in turn will affect the type of material you print on. The size of the design will also affect your choice of materials. Very large signs won’t do well with thin paper, and small signage to be inserted in shelf stands won’t work well in heavy canvas. Many people print their retail signage in a variety of sizes, so there is always a chance that you will have to print on a variety of materials. Consult with your print specialist to determine the best plan for you.

Most of all you must consider the safety of your patrons and employees.  Overhead hanging signage is dangerous if improperly installed and without a safety signage system in place, your employees are at risk for serious injury if you use ladders to change your overhead signs.  Strongly consider the pulley-type system of retail signage to protect the safety of those in the store and to create a uniform, level, professional look. 

There is much more that goes into retail signage than most people know. It can be an overwhelming process, and that is why you should consult with an expert first. Check out reelezdisplay.com to get in touch with some experts in the signage industry. We can point you in the right direction and provide the safest overhead signage for your patrons and staff.