Your shop front is often the first impression potential customers get of your business - and signage plays a major role in that moment. Whether you're launching a new retail space or rebranding an existing one, the right shop signage can help you stand out on the high street, build trust with passers-by, and ultimately drive more footfall through your doors.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most popular types of shop signage, what to consider during the design process, and how to choose the right materials and styles to suit your brand and budget. As a Sussex-based signage provider, we’ve helped countless businesses create eye-catching signs that not only look the part but are durable, weather-resistant, and designed to stay sharp for years to come.
Types of Shop Signage
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to shop signage. The most effective displays are tailored to your space, your brand, and the kind of visibility you want to achieve. Below are some of the most common types of shop signage, each with their own strengths and use cases:
- Fascia Signs: These are the main signs that run across the top of a shopfront - often the first thing people see. Fascia signs typically display your business name and logo and are a key part of your brand’s street presence. Options range from flat panels to 3D built-up lettering or illuminated designs.
- Projecting Signs: Also known as blade signs and flag-mounted, these are mounted perpendicular to your shopfront and are ideal for catching the attention of pedestrians from either direction along the pavement. They’re especially effective in busy streets or where shopfronts are closely packed together.
- Window Graphics: Your window space is valuable real estate. From simple opening hours to full vinyl wraps, window graphics can be used to promote sales, reinforce branding, or create privacy while still letting light in. They're easily updated and cost-effective.
- Pavement Signs: A-boards and swing signs placed on the pavement can help pull foot traffic in by promoting offers, events or simply drawing attention to your presence. Many businesses use them to communicate daily deals or make a bold visual statement outside their entrance.
- Illuminated Signs: Adding lighting to your signage - whether through built-in LED illumination or external spotlights — boosts visibility during darker hours and adds a premium feel. Great for shops that operate in the evening or want to stand out at night.
- Interior Signs: Don’t overlook signage inside your shop. Interior signs can include branded backdrops, directional signage, or even point-of-sale displays that highlight key products or promotions. These elements not only reinforce your brand but also improve the customer journey and encourage more purchases.
Design Considerations for Shop Owners
While your signage will likely be designed by professionals, it’s important to know what works - and what to consider, so you can make informed choices that align with your business goals. The right signage not only reflects your brand, but also serves a practical function: attracting the right customers and guiding them effectively.
Match the Signage to Your Location
Are you on a busy high street, tucked down a side road, or located in a shopping centre? Your location should guide the type of signage you invest in:
- High street shops benefit from bold fascia signs and projecting signs to catch attention from multiple angles.
- Boutiques or salons in shared buildings often need standout window graphics and well-designed entrance signs.
- Shops in retail parks or centres may require illuminated signs for visibility and compliance.
Choose Products Based on Footfall and Visibility
Think about how people interact with your premises:
- Heavy foot traffic? Pavement signs or A-boards can help pull people in.
- Driving traffic nearby? Larger fascia signage or illuminated signage can improve visibility from a distance.
- Window shoppers? Use window graphics to display offers, opening hours or branding without blocking light.
Factor in Durability and Maintenance
British weather demands high quality signage solutions. For long-term use:
- Choose weather-resistant materials like aluminium composite panels (ACM), powder-coated metal, or acrylic for fascia signs. These can withstand wind, rain, and temperature changes without warping or fading.
- Discuss sun exposure with your sign provider - some prints can fade over time if not made with UV-stable inks and laminates. South-facing shopfronts, in particular, need protection against discolouration.
- Consider how water drains around your shopfront. Signs placed near gutters or where water pools may need extra sealing or mounting solutions to avoid long-term moisture damage.
- Ask about cleaning and maintenance routines. Some finishes are easier to wipe down or more resistant to grime and pollution - especially important if you're on a high-traffic street. If your sign is likely to attract birds, you may also want to consider discreet bird spikes to prevent build-up and damage over time.
Things to Consider Before Installing Shop Signage
Before you dive into the design and installation process, there are a few important (and often overlooked) details to consider. Getting these right from the start can save time, money, and unnecessary hassle - and it’s exactly why working with a professional signage company pays off.
Do You Need Planning Permission?
In many cases, especially for illuminated signs or signage in conservation areas, you may need approval from your local council. This is known as advertisement consent. Rules can vary by location, so it’s important to check early in the process. At MCR Media, we can help guide you through what’s required and even assist with applications where needed.
Are There Restrictions on Your Premises?
If you're renting or leasing a retail unit, your lease agreement may include restrictions on exterior alterations - including signage. Some shopping centres or shared developments also have strict branding or size guidelines. Always check with your landlord or property manager before proceeding.
What’s Behind the Wall?
Before installing any signage, especially heavier fascia panels or illuminated signs, it’s vital to understand what’s behind the mounting surface. Is it brick, cladding, timber, or something else? Proper fixings and reinforcement may be needed to ensure the signage is safely secured and won’t cause damage.
Electrical Access for Illumination
If you’re opting for a lit sign, make sure there's safe and accessible power supply nearby. Internal wiring may need to be run through the wall or roof - and any electrical work must meet UK safety standards. We always recommend professional installation to ensure everything is compliant and tidy.
Installation Timing and Access
Installing new signage often involves scaffolding, cherry pickers or access equipment - especially for high street locations or multi-storey units. If your shopfront is in a busy area, timing the install to avoid disruption to customers (or council restrictions) is key. We’ll always work with you to schedule installs at the most convenient time.
Insurance and Public Liability
Professional signage companies should carry full public liability insurance to cover any risks during installation. This protects both your business and the general public. At MCR Media, we’re fully insured and safety-conscious from site survey to final fix.
Real-World Examples: Signage in Action
At MCR Media, we’ve delivered signage solutions for a wide range of businesses across the South East area. When we take on a new client and project it's about making their ideas come to life and using our expertise to ensure everything runs perfectly. Below are just a few examples of how thoughtful signage design and expert installation can transform a shopfront, elevate a brand, and create a more professional customer experience.
Foster & Co, Henfield
When estate agents Foster & Co opened a new branch in Henfield, they needed signage that matched their professional image and made the most of their high-visibility corner location. MCR Media was brought in to deliver a complete solution - from exterior shop signage to interior display elements.
What We Supplied:
- Dibond fascia signage with a clean, modern finish for maximum durability and visibility.
- Raised acrylic lettering installed inside the office to enhance their brand presence.
- Real estate window display units to showcase property listings in a stylish, backlit format.
This project combined practical function with smart, brand-led design - helping Foster & Co establish a strong street presence in the heart of the village.
Jackson Royal, Hove
Jackson Royal, a modern estate agency based in Hove, approached MCR Media to elevate their street presence with a clean, brand-aligned shopfront on busy Goldstone Villas.
What We Delivered:
- A sleek fascia board to showcase the company’s branding clearly from the road.
- A custom illuminated projecting sign for enhanced visibility on the high street - especially during darker hours.
- Window graphics applied to the inside glass, offering subtle branding.
The Tiger Group, Worthing
The Tiger Group, specialists in social care recruitment and training, approached MCR Media to help refresh their Worthing office with signage that reflects their professional, modern brand.
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What We Delivered:
- A sleek fret-cut aluminium tray sign with integrated LED illumination - ensuring their brand is clearly visible day and night on a busy street.
- Professional window graphics offering subtle branding and privacy for interior spaces, while still allowing plenty of natural light.
- Branded wall graphics throughout the office to reflect their values and create a welcoming environment for both staff and visitors.
Whether you’re launching a new retail space or refreshing your existing frontage, professional signage can make all the difference in how your business is seen. From fascia boards and window graphics to illuminated signs and interior branding, MCR Media provides a complete design, print and installation service for businesses across Sussex and beyond. Request a free site survey and meeting today to discover what's possible for your premises.
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