Aisle markers are not only key to a great customer experience, but also play a part in increased sales
One of the primary benefits of these signs is their ability to help customers navigate large or complex store layouts. In stores with wide aisles or multiple departments, shoppers may find it challenging to locate the products they need. Clear, well-placed aisle markers reduce confusion, guiding customers efficiently to the right sections. When customers can easily find what they are looking for, they are more likely to stay longer in the store, explore different areas, and purchase additional items. This increased dwell time can translate into higher sales, particularly for stores that encourage browsing.
Moreover, they can be used to highlight sales, special promotions, and clearance items, effectively capturing shoppers’ attention as they move through the store. For instance, a sign that draws attention to a limited-time offer or a “Buy One, Get One Free” deal can persuade shoppers to stop and investigate further. By placing these signs in high-traffic areas or near popular product categories, stores can drive interest and boost the likelihood of spontaneous purchases. These types of targeted promotions are particularly effective when paired with visual elements that grab attention, such as bold fonts, bright colors, or product images.
When a customer stops at your market because it’s close to their home or work, how do you help them quickly find what they need? Once they find what they are looking for, how do you convey cleanliness and show that you prioritize your customers’ health and safety?
60% of businesses report having, on average, a 10% or more increase in sales simply by updating their signs or increasing the number of signs in their store.1“Economic Value of On-Premise Signage” by Sign Research Foundation Not all wayfinding signs work equally well, however.
54% of American consumers report failing to find something because a sign was too small or unclear.2“UC Research Finds that Consumers Rely on Signage over Other Ad Media” by University of Cincinnati That translates directly into lost sales. Clarity and legibility from a distance are essential to help customers find your store and then, once inside, quickly locate the products they want.
The size of your department signs helps people navigate the store by providing an information hierarchy. If all of your signs are the same size, it creates visual noise and makes navigating the store more difficult. Your largest signs should guide customers to the primary departments they use to orient themselves, such as the Produce, Meat & Seafood, or Bakery Departments.
Then secondary, and even tertiary, level department signs help direct customers to more specific sections, such as a “Pharmacy Pick-up” sign. Your signage should also help your customers know where and how to perform particular actions, like an “Order Here” sign in your Deli or Prepared Food Department.
So what is the right size for a department sign? First, determine the space that you have available, including your ceiling height. Then consider where the sign falls in the hierarchy: Is it a primary department sign or a secondary or tertiary sign? The sign should be as large as can be reasonably justified within the context of the space available and where it falls in the hierarchy of other signage. Shop2It Retail provides size options for each department sign, providing you the flexibility necessary to best decorate your store.
When your customer gets to the area where your department sign has led them, they should quickly and easily find what they need. Suppose you hang a “Salad” sign in your prepared food section. In that case, the customer will expect to see a salad bar or prepared salads when they get to that area. Suppose you hang that same “Salad” Department Sign in produce. In that case, the customer is more likely to expect salad-making ingredients when they arrive at the designated area.
The same rules apply to all levels of your department sign hierarchy. Make sure the sign is mounted as close to the items in question as possible.
Hanging signs, for example, should be out of the customer’s reach but as close to eye level as possible. The height above the finished floor (AFF) is critical for these signs. We generally recommend 96-inches or more AFF height, but no lower than 80-inches AFF for hanging department signs.
Wall-mounted department signs will be limited more by the locations of soffits or coolers. You want to aim for approximately 96″ plus AFF as often as possible. Take into consideration your ceiling height and balance the distance between coolers and your ceiling, aiming for a visual center.
There are two ways to view topicality in the context of your grocery store signage. First, your department signs and other signage need to represent your brand. The colors and words you choose create a sense of who your business is. So, select a style of signage that reflects your brand identity. If you are a “fun” brand, choose bright colors and catchy phrases. If you are a natural market, incorporate natural textures and phrases that highlight the freshness and quality of your products. With an infinite number of brand identities, Shop2It Retail has a variety of sign packages to fit your specific needs.
There are two ways to view topicality in the context of your grocery store signage. First, your department signs and other signage need to represent your brand. The colors and words you choose create a sense of who your business is. So, select a style of signage that reflects your brand identity.
If you are a “fun” brand, choose bright colors and catchy phrases. If you are a natural market, incorporate natural textures and phrases that highlight the freshness and quality of your products.
With an infinite number of brand identities, Shop2It Retail has a variety of sign packages to fit your specific needs. The second way to view topicality in the context of your grocery store signage is how the text itself represents the items in your store.
Being aware of market trends can help match what consumers want with the phrases used on your signs. For example, as people strive to be healthier, customers are drawn to fresh and organic products.3“Supermarkets & Grocery Stores Industry in the US – Market Research Report” by IBISWorld Using signs to highlight fresh and organic products as you direct consumers through your store can help drive sales.
Identifying fresh and organic products can be done in a couple of ways:
Color primarily works in subconscious ways. High contrast color combinations for wayfinding and directional signage increase readability and comprehension. High contrast combinations are also more eye-catching for your customers.
The highest contrast you can get is black and white combinations, but going to this extreme can be difficult on the eyes. However, if you prefer a primarily black and white color palette, there are ways to achieve that. We recommend going slightly off true blacks and whites to dark blues, browns, or grays combined with off whites or muted colors. This approach can recreate the same feel of black and white without the harshness of that contrast.
When choosing a décor package, avoiding difficult-to-read color combinations is critical. You want to create contrast by selecting visually appealing combinations that evoke a sense of the type of environment you want your store to be.
Retail grocery store signage is the most effective and least expensive form of advertising for your business.4“How Retail Signage Works and Why You Should Care” by Shopify A sign can improve brand recall, encourage people to visit, and influence customers’ purchasing behavior.
Independent grocery stores have several advantages over larger retailers, including their proximity to customers and ability to respond nimbly to trends. One of the easiest ways to use the latest trends to help increase sales is to update signage. The proper signage helps to reflect your products’ freshness and draws attention to promotional products. Using cohesive and coordinated retail signage gives your store a clean and organized look, entices customers to shop with you, and increases profits.
Our team is here to help you find the perfect products to enhance your space and meet your unique needs. Contact us today to discuss your project and see how we can support your store’s success. We look forward to partnering with you!
Create an inviting and cohesive store experience with our signage, fixtures, and more.
Aisle Markers
Center of Store
Chalkboards
Checkout Signs
Department Signs
Graphic Panels
Menu Boards
Promotional Signs
Wall Copy
Bins
Retail Displays
End Caps
Gondola Shelves
Wire Shelving
Wood Shelving
Tables
Merchandisers
Retail Shelving
Cooking
Cutting
Displaying
Dispensing
Chillin'
Alcohol
Bakery
Checkout
Dairy
Deli
Grocery
Pharmacy
Promotional
