The secret to drawing customers into your store extends beyond offering suitable products, you must establish your presence to stand out in a busy retail landscape. That’s where pavement signs come in. Acting as silent salespeople, they grab attention, spark interest, and influence customer decisions before they even step inside.

This guide explores how large retail chains can maximise the impact of pavement signs, along with how working with specialist sign trade suppliers ensures premium, long-lasting signage that gets results.

How Pavement Signs Increase Footfall

A well-placed sign creates urgency, attracts attention, and draws in shoppers. With the right design and messaging, these signs work around the clock to direct foot traffic exactly where you need it. Partnering with trusted sign trade suppliers ensures you get signage that not only fits your brand but also maximises its effectiveness in high-footfall areas.

Here’s what makes them so effective:

  • Disrupts Daily Routines: Pedestrians tend to walk the same routes every day. A strategically placed pavement sign breaks their habit, drawing their attention to something new.
  • Triggers Immediate Action: A compelling offer: "Today Only: 30% Off", can encourage impulse visits that wouldn’t have happened otherwise.
  • Bridges Online and Offline Shopping: QR codes on pavement signs can direct customers to online deals, store events, or loyalty programs, ensuring they stay connected with your brand beyond a single visit.
  • Builds Brand Recognition: Even if customers don’t stop today, seeing your sign regularly builds familiarity, increasing the chance they’ll visit in the future.

Choosing the Right Pavement Sign for Your Store

Working with the right sign trade suppliers ensures you get pavement signs that suit your store’s location, branding needs, and footfall patterns. Here are the most effective types for retail chains:

1. A-Boards for Quick Impact

A-boards are one of the most popular types of pavement signs. Their double-sided display ensures visibility from multiple directions, making them ideal for attracting customers walking past your store.

Best for: High streets, shopping centres, and independent retail locations where footfall is unpredictable.

2. Swing Signs for Durability

With a sturdy base and swinging panel, these signs catch attention through movement. They are highly durable and perform well in windy conditions, making them ideal for outdoor use.

Best for: Large supermarkets, outdoor shopping parks, and locations exposed to the elements.

3. Forecourt Signs for Large-Scale Promotions

Designed for maximum visibility, forecourt signs are ideal for displaying bold, large-scale messaging that can be viewed from a distance. They work best in areas with significant vehicular and pedestrian traffic, their rugged construction making them particularly suitable for roadside positioning.

Best for: Petrol stations, hypermarkets, and retail warehouse outlets.

4. Chalkboard Signs for Flexibility

Chalkboard pavement signs offer a handwritten, customisable approach. They allow retailers to frequently update messaging for daily promotions or time-sensitive deals.

Best for: Hospitality venues, cafés, and seasonal pop-up retail stores.

Placement Matters: Where to Position Your Pavement Sign

A sign with excellent design will be less effective if placed in the wrong location. Proper positioning ensures that your signage catches attention and attracts visitors to your store. Established sign trade suppliers will be able to draw on their experience to offer suitable advice regarding signage placement.

Consider these placement strategies:

Near Store Entrances: Capture customers as they approach the store entrance – the perfect place to display branding or an enticing offer.

At Key Intersections: Place signage where pedestrians make decisions about which direction to walk.

In Car Parks or Forecourts: For larger retail locations, pavement signs can act as a guide, directing foot traffic towards the main entrance.

Pavement Sign Design: Getting the Message Right

A pavement sign only has a few seconds to grab attention. To be effective, your signage must be clear, concise, and visually compelling. Here’s how to make sure your message lands:

  • Use Bold, High-Contrast Colours: Make the text easy to read at a distance.
  • Keep Messaging Short: Avoid clutter, stick to essential details.
  • Incorporate Branding: Maintain consistency with store colours, fonts, and logos.
  • Add Directional Cues: Use arrows or icons to lead customers toward the entrance.
  • Include a Call to Action: Statements like "Visit Today for 20% Off!" create urgency.

Seasonal Promotions and Pavement Signs

Retail chains frequently update their marketing strategies to reflect seasonal trends, and pavement signs are a cost-effective way to keep promotions fresh. Consider using pavement signs for:

  • Winter Sales: "Massive Boxing Day Discounts – In-Store Only!"
  • Back-to-School Promotions: "School Essentials – 3 for 2!"
  • Easter Specials: "Limited Edition Easter Treats Inside!"
  • Christmas Offers: "Gift Ideas Under £10 – Shop Now!"

Digital vs. Traditional Signage: Why Pavement Signs Play a Vital Role

While digital advertising continues to grow, over 70% of retail transactions in the UK are conducted in person via bricks & mortar outlets giving pavement signs unique advantages that digital ads can’t replicate:

  • No Screen Fatigue: Customers are bombarded with digital advertising everywhere, pavement signs stand out in the real world.
  • Guaranteed Visibility: Unlike online ads that depend on algorithms, pavement signs physically place your message in front of customers.
  • Cost-Effective: No need for ongoing advertising spend. Once purchased, pavement signs provide continuous exposure.

Why Work with the Right Sign Trade Supplier?

A high-quality pavement sign is an investment, and working with trusted sign trade suppliers ensures you get signage that is durable, weather-resistant, and aligned with your brand. Here’s what to look for when choosing a supplier:

  • Premium Materials: Signs should withstand outdoor conditions without fading or warping.
  • Customisation Options: Your signs should fit seamlessly with your brand identity.
  • Scalability: Large retail chains need suppliers who can deliver bulk orders with consistent quality.
  • Fast Turnaround: Retail promotions change frequently, so you need a supplier who can keep up.

Signwaves, the Best Choice for Pavement Signs

Signwaves produces premium pavement signs helping retailers boost their customer traffic and increase footfall. Our expertise guarantees that you receive effective and reliable signage which lasts through the years including options like A-boards, swing signs and forecourt signs or bespoke solutions.

What We Offer:

  • Thoroughly Researched & Designed Signage: Tailored to match your branding needs.
  • Competitive Pricing & Bulk Discounts: Ideal for multi-store rollouts.
  • Fast & Reliable Delivery: Keeping up with your retail promotions.
  • 35 Years Experience: Expert advice and industry leading service.

Maximise your retail potential with high-quality pavement signs from Signwaves. Contact us today to find the best signage solutions for your business!