Mom-and-pop shops are the backbones of many neighborhoods throughout the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 3.76 million businesses have 5 or fewer employees. The threat of chain retailers is always a concern, but to this day mom and pop shops are loved by the public. There’s little doubt they’ll remain a part of American culture for years to come. With that being said, it’s important to know what strategies can help small businesses maintain their customer base.
Ultimately, the key to success for mom-and-pop shops is to stand out from the competition and be memorable. Choosing the correct signage is one way to accomplish this. Here’s how mom-and-pop shops use signs to bring in more business and increase their chances of survival.
Signs are the Key to Success for Mom-and-Pop Shops
Advertising Your Small Business Status
According to research by Salesforce, 56% of consumers say they’re spending more at small businesses these days. For millennials, that number rises to 62%. Customers want to support mom-and-pop shops, but they have to be aware that your business exists first. As you might expect, this is where marketing and signage come in. You have to be loud and proud to attract attention. That means choosing signage that’s bold, colorful, and noticeable. Don’t be afraid to advertise your small business status in your signage, either. A lot of people enjoy helping small businesses in their communities thrive. The more people that know, the more that can support you.
Making Your Signage as Unique as Possible
There is probably nothing more boring than seeing the same old signs all over a suburb. Target and Walmart signs are highly effective, there’s no doubt about that, but they’re ubiquitous. This presents mom-and-pop shops with a major advantage. If you can express your individuality through signage, you can easily “steal” customers who frequent big box stores. How can you create signs that pique viewers’ interest without going over the top? The secret lies in knowing what your business offers (and what customers won’t get from chain retailers). If you own a restaurant, this might mean displaying what kind of experience you offer.
Use Proper Placement to Beat Out Big-Box Chains
It’s easy for mom-and-pop shops to feel discouraged in today’s environment. How can you beat out big-box stores when their signs are so colossal? It seems like some of them could be seen from outer space. If you’re located in a shopping center, you may have to compete with these retailers directly. Still, choosing an effective, high-quality sign matters. You can beat out the big-box competition with the right placement. This means your sign should be easy to read from a distance and visible from all angles. You’ll also want to consider sizing and font types for maximum legibility. Fortunately, you don’t need to figure these things out on your own. An expert sign company can design (and install) the right sign for your small business at the right price.
Partner with the Pros at East West Sign Group
We are experts in creating effective signage of all kinds. East West Sign Group knows all about sign design and installation, and we have worked with countless businesses to boost business with great signage. If you want to create signage for your mom-and-pop shop, we’re here to offer guidance and walk you through our process. We’re dedicated to providing a high-quality product that is long-lasting and durable. What are you waiting for? Work with an expert sign company and contact us today!