“Desperate times call for desperate measures” was the theme last year as the pandemic surfaced and many offices and businesses across the globe transitioned to remote operations while some even shut down. This year things are improving in most places but with caution.
Naturally, in line with the changing times and demands, the retail industry has adapted quickly, offering consumers a safer, more convenient, and rewarding experience. Changing times have also led the way for new and interesting retail signage trends that can totally transform the branding experience. 40 Visuals offers the low-down on the biggest and latest retail trends to watch out for in 2021.
What’s Trending in Retail Signage for 2021?
Trends indicate the pattern that is prevalent in the industry and it’s no different this year with retail signage. It’s hardly surprising that the trends mirror the changing times, including the continued need for social distancing and cost efficiencies, new mode of business operations, and above all, a changing mindset. Here are some of the most popular retail signage trends for this year:
1. Convey More with Minimalism
Minimalism is one of the emerging retail signage trends for 2021 and it’s one that rocks for many reasons. It spells simplicity and elegance and catches attention with its subtle tone. It can certainly help brands draw focus in an industry where all others are screaming for attention.
The pandemic has mellowed moods with a somber atmosphere prevailing everywhere and it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that it has even altered mindsets. Loud marketing and branding exercises with flashy colorful themes are a thing of the past and may not generate the same results they once did.
If you want to attract your audience’s attention today and retain it, connect with them on a personal level by using minimal elements, a powerful but concise message, and tune in to what they need at this hour. So, in a nutshell: keep it short and precise, keep it simple and sleek, and keep it elegant!
2. Adhesive Vinyl Offers an Easy to Install and Remove Option
Adhesive vinyl may be the hottest retail signage trend for 2021. It’s perfect for making optimum use of storefront windows or walls for promotional advertising. As brands the world over are trying to cut costs, vinyl offers not only affordability but also allows businesses to market themselves using the readily available space at their disposal.
While it has always been a popular signage material, its functionality is more relevant now than ever. At 40 Visuals, we offer adhesive vinyl signage with a low tack, removable pressure-sensitive adhesive, which bonds well with smooth non-tinted glass surfaces while offering a clean removal. Since it doesn’t leave any residue, it’s really easy to clean up after.
Many businesses are striving to sustain themselves and recover from the business closure and losses prevalent for the majority of last year. Affordability, ease, and convenience are the order of the day as companies are struggling to offer continued services with a reduced workforce and minimum resources.
Adhesive vinyl works particularly well on interior glass, exterior windows, glass mirrors, and even glass display cases and is an especially great way to generate store traffic once again as operations start returning back to normal.
3. Way-finding Signage Improves the Shopping Experience
Way-finding signage serves customers better by helping them navigate throughout the store and find things in an easy, quick, and hassle-free manner. Whether it is a grocery store, retailer, or superstore, it will help retailers improve customers’ shopping experience without having to hire additional staff to wait on them.
In the pre-pandemic times, way-finding signs were almost negligible as retailers probably didn’t see their benefit. However, as the social distancing norm will likely continue for some time, customers will continue to prefer a shopping experience with minimum interaction and way-finding signs are the best way to ensure that.
4. Eco-friendly Signage Helps Reduce Energy Consumption & Plastic Waste
Planet sustainability remains a hot topic this year, continuing to generate significant buzz and rightly so. As the future of the earth and in turn our existence is at risk, it’s about time. As consumers look for eco-friendly products and new ways to reduce their carbon footprint, it’s imperative that businesses follow suit in all functions including marketing and customer service – so says the signage industry trends this year.
Opt for eco-friendly signage that doesn’t guzzle energy and consider selecting materials and equipment that can be recycled or at least those that generate minimum waste. Remember when it comes to adopting planet-friendly measures, every bit counts!
5. Go Touchless
Touch screens and other digital signage may go down in popularity as people are hesitant or even unwilling to “touch” screens that have been touched by countless other customers before … And it’s not without good reason.
Touch must be avoided where it’s possible. To that end, businesses must find better ways to promote their products and services and to engage with their customers. Do away with touch screens and other digital mediums such as kiosks to promote your organization’s offerings. Touchless is the new mantra and indications are that it will likely remain so well into next year.
Why not adopt a more personalized way to communicate with your customers in line with the demand for a touchless mode? Go for retail signage that reflects your customer’s changing preferences and needs. Ensure your marketing and promotional channels are safe and more engaging, in line with the need of the hour.
6. Stage an Immersive Brand Experience with Silicone Edge Graphics and Fabric Graphics
The use of SEG Light Boxes and fabric graphics is another sign industry trend for 2021 that’s gaining much traction. These wonderfully lit pieces can instantly elevate the look and feel of your retail space and promote your brand by creating a uniquely themed environment. Tell the story of your brand in an engaging way and illuminate it for added emphasis – the impact will be breathtaking as it makes any space come alive!
Frameless LED Lightboxes using Backlit Fabric offers a frameless appearance with a smooth and tight graphic face. They can be ordered in virtually any size and are suitable for all types of applications. Plus, they’re easy to change too, allowing you to update your graphics as often as you want. Use them to promote special offers and discounts that are invariably changing and to even showcase brand new arrivals every season.
Above all, in alignment with the planet sustainability cause, our SEG Fabric Lightboxes are illuminated with perimeter-LED lighting that’s energy efficient – only 14 watts per LED module!
Stay on Top of the Latest Trends with 40 Visuals
Which of these retail signage trends are you looking forward to adopting? Whether you’re looking for new signage to create a powerful impact and engage your audience or looking to replace your existing material to keep up with the new requirements, 40 Visuals, the leader in the signage industry has got you covered. We offer extraordinary quality products in a consistent, timely, and affordable manner. We specialize in all types of retail signage, be it free-standing material, glass windows, walls, outdoor, ceiling suspended, countertops, showcases, or promotional material for trade shows. To place an order or request pricing, contact us!
