Rolling out fresh graphics to dozens, or even hundreds, of locations can give your brand a big lift and ensure consistency across your brand. Signage rollout is a complex and involved process, but working with the right print partner can alleviate the stress and headache of the process. What exactly are the challenges of a global signage rollout? Juggling deadlines, budgets, shipping and installation, to name a few. Miss one detail and the multi-site signage rollout turns into a costly headache. The tips below can help you turn that stress into a smooth retail rollout game plan. For an example of a nationwide signage rollout in action, see our IWC boutique case study.
What Is a Signage Rollout?
A signage rollout is the planned distribution of new printed or digital graphics to multiple stores at once. Brands schedule them for seasonal campaigns, store remodels, product launches or a brand graphics refresh. A retail store rollout might cover 10 flagship shops in one state or push to 1,000-plus storefronts worldwide. The bigger the count, the greater the need for a signage rollout company that thrives at scale.
Image 1: A graphic designer is preparing a file for print for a TAG Heuer rollout. Image 2: TAG Heuer Formula One graphics displayed in retail location.
1. Start Early and Set a Budget
The first rule in managing a signage rollout is to start early. If you know your timeline, it can be helpful to start with your deadline and work back from there. Build in time for artwork approvals, production, shipping and installation. Lock in your budget early so you can match products to spend; backlit duratran displays cost more than posters, large SEG displays more than counter cards. Knowing your budget keeps surprises at bay.
2. Stagger by Region or Priority
Rolling out to hundreds of doors on the same day can cause a headache, spike costs and strain install teams. Break your strategic plan into waves by region or sales priority. This ensures the signage is there before the install/launch date. Ship to flagship or high-priority stores first, then fan out. This phased approach also lets your team fix any issues or last-minute changes before the next batch ships.
3. Be Aware of Display Types and Sizes
Nothing slows a brand signage rollout faster than guessing frame specs. Audit each location’s current display types — SEG, duratran, posters, window vinyl and more — plus exact sizes. Our signage order management system stores those specs for every store, so the next multi-site retail rollout services reuse the data in one click.
4. Choose a Vendor Who Can Coordinate Printing and Installation at Scale
Not all rollout signage vendors are ready for high volume. Look for a partner that prints, packs and installs coast to coast with one point of contact. 40 VISUALS provides nationwide install and live tracking so you see progress as it happens.
5. Use an Effective Project Management System
Spreadsheets are great, but using them for signage rollouts can make them quickly become cluttered, complex and outdated. Our cloud-based system keeps artwork, sizes, ship dates and install photos in one dashboard. It wipes out guesswork and proves ROI for every location.
Image 1: Large SEG fabric print being produced for a rollout for The North Face. Image 2: Backlit SEG fabric print displayed in store window of The North Face’s Chicago store.
Next Steps to Start Your Signage Rollout
Smart prep turns a complex campaign into a clean in-store reveal. Follow the steps above, plan early and stay organized to guide shoppers and watch the payoff at the register. Ready to simplify your next rollout? Contact 40 VISUALS, the signage rollout company trusted by leading brands.
