Your In-Store Messaging Must Change Due to COVID-19, Here’s How - Part 2

With the Coronavirus (COVID-19) changing the way your stores operate, keeping customers in the know is critical right now. Part 1 of this two-part blog series touches on signage and POP that helps inform and guide during these trying times. Here are some easy ways to help reassure shoppers and show you care.

Reassure Customers

Surely you’ve updated your cleaning standards to align with CDC guidelines. Do your customers know? Reassure them with signage, flyers and/or social media messaging that highlights how you’re keeping your employees and shoppers safe. Let them know how all surfaces are cleaned and sanitized frequently. Groceries are quickly running out of paper supplies, bread and eggs, reassure potential shoppers they can count on you for stocked items they may be searching for. Use interior and exterior signage to remind patrons that you’re there for them with the essential items they need.

Show You Care

Your customers may be feeling anxious, exhausted and confused during this difficult time. Like you and your employees, life and routines have changed. Shoppers who may have relied on you for fuel and lottery tickets, may now be counting on your stores for grocery items and hot meals. Let them know their community c-store is ready to serve with messaging that shows you care. Start with signage that reminds customers to keep their distance. Create and promote free offers for area healthcare workers and first responders. Though you’re always doing your part within the community, let shoppers know you’re still actively contributing.

We’re all in this together. If looking to adjust your messaging, create helpful signage or develop ways to guide your customers, please let us know. We’re here for you.

6 Secrets to Effective Store Signage

Your store’s signage reflects your brand and can directly impact your revenue. About 76 percent of customers enter a store because of its signs, while approximately 68 percent make purchases based solely upon store signage. Here are a few tips to ensure your signage is working for and not against you.

  1. Have a Plan – Great windows require time to allow merchandising and marketing to collaborate and plan. Creating an event calendar can help you track competitors, align with sales holidays and save on shipping by placing orders early.

  2. Tell a Story – Nearly 80 percent of customers want brands to share a story. With retail signage, that can be accomplished by tying individual merchant offerings under a theme that speaks to your customers’ lifestyles. For example, during summer months, it could be “Poolside Must-Haves” and spotlight grab ‘n go items, beverages and snacks. By using storefront windows to tell a story, retailers can engage customers in a unique, more memorable, limited-time opportunity.

  3. Limit Colors – Too many colors or patterns can distract customers or make it difficult to focus. Ensure colors allow for optimal contrast with copy. It’s best to feature dark lettering against a light background. Additionally, keeping sign color palettes consistent helps customers easily remember and recognize your stores’ branding.

  4. Keep Messaging at Eye Level – Storefront messaging should be visible from the road. Test signage visibility by looking at it from inside a passing car to find the right height. It’s important that letters are in clear, readable fonts large enough to see from a distance.

  5. Know Your Lighting Conditions – Signs featuring oranges, yellows and other bright colors are challenging to read when positioned in direct sunlight or under harsh lighting. Keep in mind, if store windows are tinted windows, darker colors are difficult to see.

  6. Customize Your Message – Tailor marketing by store to guarantee your message resonates with customers. Make sure marketing ideas fit the store locations and customer demographics. Consider using store intelligence technology to help create hyperlocal campaigns.

From store signage to retail remodeling, GSP’s industry experts have been making retail better for 40+ years. Set up a quick call with us today to learn how we can help you create a customized and consistent branded experience.

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