With Christmas approaching the emphasis on supporting local is even more prevalent, especially with the uncertainty of local lockdown restrictions. Signs Express are here to support all sectors in whatever way we can through these challenging times. The current pandemic crisis affects us all and we understand just how important pulling together in these tough times is to save businesses and our communities.

How can we help support other local businesses?

With local guidelines and COVID-19 requirements continually evolving it is paramount our businesses stay on top of their signage to ensure a safe and secure environment. A recent study commissioned by wide-format printer manufacturer, Roland DG, highlighted that 80% of UK consumers are more likely to visit stores that have clear social distancing graphics.* Signs Express are here to help you create and install clear and concise messages that safely lead your customers, ensuring they adhere to social distancing guidelines. As most places have already installed some form of signage, ask yourself is it clear and obvious? Are your customers following the right direction or are they getting confused? Shoppers say social distancing (29%), store capacity limits (26%) and the availability of hand sanitisers (22%) are the main elements that make them feel safer in their environment.** Your existing social distancing signage may have been a temporary fix at the beginning of the pandemic, however now might be the time to upgrade to semi-permanent solutions. We have a full range of solutions you can view here, such as fully customisable floor graphics, sleek and signposted hand sanitiser stations and durable notices and displays. Research shows signage is in the spotlight with 79% of shoppers now more aware of shop signage than before COVID-19.* As with any signage requests, we can also help make sure you’re sticking to your brand guidelines, creating dynamic visual solutions that help build customer confidence but also incorporated into your existing signage and branding.

Using customer trends and local initiatives

Despite the uncertainty of the current situation, many people are using the upcoming festive period as a way to stay positive and make up for some of the lost trade over the past 9 months. Although high streets are seeing a downturn in footfall generally compared to 2019, many towns and cities are seeing a rise in early Christmas shopping. High streets and outdoor shopping centres are the types of shopping destinations people are most likely to visit post lockdown.** Customers are being encouraged to get their festive shopping underway as soon as possible and businesses are utilising this trend in a bid to regain some normality, with many saying that without a bumper Christmas period they’re at risk of closing. Getting your business noticed and maximising sales during this time will be crucial and with less than 60 days till Christmas, now is an ideal time to start planning. Alongside ensuring you have adequate social distancing solutions there are many options for your festive signage (link to Christmas 1 pager) from light-touch displays to Santa’s grotto-esque features. Promotional displays, bespoke wall graphics and even digital signage will help to welcome customers, create some holiday cheer and encourage them to browse and purchase.

How else can I encourage customers to shop with me?

There are also lots of local business initiatives being implemented to encourage more people to buy local so make sure your business is ready to make the most of any upcoming events. Promotional window graphics or simple a-boards can advertise how your business is getting involved alongside customer incentives and offers. Returning this year on 5th December, Small Business Saturday is a nationwide campaign which has been known to prompt consumers to support small, local businesses on the day, with over £800 million in revenue generated in 2019. As always, your local Signs Express branch is here to support you in all of your signage needs, so get in touch today to see how we can help. *Wide-format print manufacturer, Roland DG **Springboard and AL Marketing ‘Re-opening UK retail post-COVID-19’ analysis