The Role of Outdoor Signage for Holiday Foot Traffic
Holiday sales can make or break small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with 75 percent of retail SMBs relying on holiday sales to meet annual revenue goals.
“Americans want to spend during the holiday season. The businesses who can tap into this strong demand are much more likely to achieve their revenue goals and set the table for a strong start to the new year,” reports Advertising Week.
One of the most effective ways to draw holiday foot traffic into your Houston area store is an eye-catching electric retail sign.
Custom electric signs in Houston allow businesses to create their own unique brand identity and stand out from the crowd, helping to attract new customers.
The Rise of In-Store Holiday Shopping
Good news for retail business owners: in-store holiday shopping is making a strong comeback.
According to the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) 2024 Holiday Consumer Survey, 46 percent of consumers plan to shop at department stores this holiday season. Consumer holiday shopping destinations for 2024 (percent of consumers shopping at each destination), according to the NRF:
- Department Store: 46 percent (49 percent)
- Grocery Store: 46 percent (43 percent)
- Discount Store: 45 percent (44 percent)
- Clothing Store: 31 percent (47 percent)
- Small Business: 23 percent (26 percent)
- Electronics Store: 19 percent (31 percent)
- Craft Store: 16 percent (19 percent)
- Outlet Store: 12 percent (14 percent)
- Specialty Store: 12 percent (14 percent)
- Thrift Store: 12 percent (20 percent)
- Drug Store: 10 percent (11 percent)
“While most consumers will opt to shop at traditional retailers this holiday season, many younger consumers between ages 18 and 24 will also head to thrift stores and resale shops,” Prosper Executive Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist told the NSF. “Secondhand and refurbished gifts appeal to this age group’s desire to save money and be more sustainable.”
This resurgence in brick-and-mortar shopping presents a perfect opportunity to make your store stand out with new custom signs in Houston.
Record-Breaking Holiday Spending Expected
The 2024 holiday season is poised to be a record-breaker for retailers.
The NRF forecasts that consumer spending on winter holidays will reach an unprecedented $902 per person on average across gifts, food, decorations, and other seasonal items.
This represents a significant increase from previous years and underscores the importance of capturing shoppers’ attention.
“The increase in holiday spending is largely attributed to gifts for family members. Of the $902 shoppers plan to spend, approximately $641 is on gifts for family, friends, co-workers and more, which is an increase from $620 last year. The remaining $261 will be spent on other seasonal items such as food or candy, decorations, greeting cards and other holiday items,” reports the NRF.
Capturing Shoppers’ Attention in a Competitive Market
With holiday shoppers out in full force, now is the time to ensure your store is fully stocked, your team is ready to provide excellent customer service, and your marketing strategy is optimized.
A well-designed electric retail store sign not only attracts more holiday shoppers but also creates an inviting atmosphere for customers, showcasing your unique brand identity.
Businesses can maximize the benefits of custom electric signs for holiday sales by focusing on:
- Increased Visibility and Attraction: Custom electric signs significantly enhance a store’s visibility, especially during the busy holiday season. They can:
- Capture attention from a distance, drawing in shoppers who might otherwise pass by
- Create a festive atmosphere that entices customers to enter the store
- Stand out in crowded shopping areas, giving businesses an edge over competitors
- Promotion of Special Offers and Events: Electric signs are excellent for showcasing holiday promotions:
- Display time-sensitive offers and limited-time deals to create urgency
- Highlight special holiday events or sales to drive foot traffic
- Use dynamic content to rotate different promotions throughout the day
- Enhanced Brand Recognition: Custom electric signs can strengthen a business’s brand during the holiday season:
- Incorporate brand colors and logos into festive designs
- Create a unique and memorable visual identity that sets the store apart
- Reinforce brand messaging with eye-catching displays
- Improved Customer Experience: Well-designed electric signs can enhance the overall shopping experience:
- Guide customers through the store with strategically placed directional signage
- Create an inviting atmosphere that puts shoppers in the holiday spirit
- Showcase gift ideas and seasonal products to simplify the shopping process
- Flexibility and Customization: Custom electric signs offer versatility that traditional signage cannot match:
- Easily update content to reflect changing promotions or inventory
- Adapt designs to different holidays and seasons throughout the year
- Incorporate interactive elements to engage customers
- Extended Shopping Hours: Illuminated signs are particularly beneficial during the holiday season when daylight hours are shorter:
- Attract customers during evening hours with bright, visible signage
- Create an inviting storefront that stands out in darker winter months
- Extend the effective shopping day, potentially increasing sales opportunities
By emphasizing these benefits, businesses can reap the value of investing in custom electric signs for boosting holiday sales and creating a memorable shopping experience for customers.
Custom Electric Sign Options for Houston Businesses
At 4DSignworx, we offer a variety of custom-made electric signs to help your business stand out:
- Channel Letter Signs:Highly visible and professional-looking, perfect for day and night visibility.
- Pylon Signs: Ideal for businesses near highways or large roads, offering excellent visibility from a distance.
- Lighted Cabinet Signs:Great for highlighting brand colors and logos, especially in the evenings.
- Marquee Signs:Classic choice for theaters, hotels, and restaurants, allowing for changeable messages.
- LED Signs:Energy-efficient and highly customizable, suitable for displaying specific messages.
- LED Message Signs:Perfect for businesses with changing specials or messages, visible even in bright daylight.
Invest in Your Business’s Future
Investing in a new outdoor custom sign now will pay dividends during the busy holiday shopping season and beyond.
With 57 percent of consumers planning to make their holiday purchases online this year, it’s crucial for brick-and-mortar stores to create a compelling reason for shoppers to visit in person.
“The winter holidays are a treasured time for Americans, and they are prioritizing spending on family this holiday season,” NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights Katherine Cullen said. “Despite the shorter window of time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, retailers are prepared to meet the needs of consumers by providing holiday shoppers with earlier deals and sales and by ensuring inventory is available for the most in-demand items this year.”
Stand Out with Customized Outdoor Signs in Houston
Don’t miss out on the holiday shopping boom. Our experienced team at 4DSignworx has the knowledge and expertise to take your new sign from idea to installation quickly and at an affordable cost.
We offer custom signs for businesses in any area (indoor or outdoor, big or small) and we promise a product that is of superior quality and made to last.
Contact us today for a quote and let us help you create a one-of-a-kind sign that will attract customers and give your business the attention it deserves this holiday season and beyond.