News
Every year on Small Business Saturday, businesses are given the spotlight to promote the value and importance of shopping local. While the celebrations are taking place today (Saturday 7th December), the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses and consumers.
According to research commissioned by the founder of Small Business Saturday, 59%* of consumers aware of the day claimed to have intentionally spent more than usual in their local outlets, so raising awareness of the campaign is paramount in helping small businesses to thrive. Many hold events and offer discounts in celebration, while as a supporter of the initiative, Signs Express wanted to highlight the effectiveness of good signage for small businesses in different sectors, from retail and trade to hospitality and professional services. Retail
Trade
With countless chains dominating the streets, especially during the busiest shopping season of the year, small businesses often compete more than ever to stand out. Eye-catching outdoor business signs are proven to increase the chance of a sale by 70%**. An attention-grabbing shop front is a must, with fascia signs and built-up letters being the most popular choices. Consider illumination for that extra wow-factor and promotional window graphics that really shout about what your shop has to offer.
Trade
Independent tradespeople often won’t have a fixed premises to work from, so the best way of getting your business noticed is through vehicle graphics. With the potential for over 3000 people per hour*** seeing your vehicle in a busy area, adding branding to your vehicle is a no-brainer. From full wraps to custom decals, colour changes to entire fleet graphics, your vehicle has the potential to become a 24/7 cost-effective advertising opportunity. Hospitality As a small hospitality business, you must have a strong brand and good communication with your customers to stand out. Whether you’re serving food and drink or running a small B&B, inviting signage will help create a good first impression and entice more customers to your business.
Most people don’t visit a restaurant just to eat, but for the entire experience. Lighting can play a big part in setting the right tone, with illuminated or neon effect signs being a popular choice for creating ambience. Digital menu boards are practical in displaying your menus as well as reinforcing your brand, also allowing you complete flexibility when it comes to promoting specials and seasonal offers.
Professional Services Office signs and graphics are one of the most simple and effective ways of creating a stimulating work environment as well as a professional space to hold meetings. Not only can your office interior impact customers’ perceptions of your services, it can also influence staff morale. Clear wayfinding signage will improve the accessibility of your space while striking wall graphics and wallcoverings reinforce your brand to create the right impression. Countless small business sectors can benefit from the right signs and graphics, and with over 30 years’ experience and 65 production centres across the UK & Ireland, Signs Express is a trusted, safe pair of hands. Show your support for Small Business Saturday with the hashtag #SmallBizSatUK and find out more about our best signage for small businesses on our website. *Small Business Saturday **The FedEx Office “What’s your Sign” survey ***3M