Shop front signage for a take away shop in Hamilton, Newcastle
- New wall facia signage
- New awning signage
- New window signage
- removal of old signage
In August Nicole took ownership of Sunnyside Takeaway in Hamilton in Newcastle. This was a takeaway shop that was very well known to locals and had been operating for many, many years with its existing signage in place. Nicole was in the process of rebranding it to be MK’s Takeaway and wanted to get a quote to have new shop front signage for the awning, windows and wall facia areas. Her goal was to give the location a bright, white, fresh feel that was visible from all angles on the footpath of the street.
The take away shop signage design brief
The signage design brief that we received from Nicole at MK’s Takeaway included;
- Creation of designs that adapted their new logo into new signage designs suitable for the building fascia, awning and windows.
- Removal of the old signage from the each of the areas of the existing shop.
- Printing, supply & installation of the new shop signage.
Screen Signs was contracted with the design, printing, delivery, removal & installation of each signage element for this take away shop in Toronto. Designing, printing and installing retail shopfront signage is something our company does everyday for business owners in the Newcastle Hunter region. Nicole wanted to give the retail shop a completely new fresh look to attract new customers and change it from having a old fashioned take away shop feeling to something that was more modern and fun.
The MK Takeaway team led by Nicole decided on getting new shop front signage designed & printed to featured their newly designed logo and a simple black on white colour scheme that helped the shop stand out on the street. It was a very fresh, minimalistic design and look for their take away shop in Hamilton, Newcastle.
We conducted a site visit to look at what type of signage would be suitable, measure the space available and also determine how the old signage could be removed. Once everything was measured up we got our graphic designers to mock up some design ideas so that MK’s Take Away could choose the one they preferred before anything was printed.
One of the most important aspects we talk to every client about is the type of materials they want to use. The choices can make a difference to the pricing for signage but also how long they last for, so depending on your purpose you may choose a short term or long term material choice for example;
- Corflute signage – this is great for short term use and typically used indoors.
- Banner signage – medium term use
- Colour Alupanel & Vinyl Cut – this provides the best durability with the materials from Avery 800 rated at 7-10 years. The other option is to digital print with over laminate which can last for between 5 and 7 years depending on the position of the signage, how exposed it is to the sun or salt water etc.
In today’s highly competitive food and beverage industry, especially in bustling areas like the Newcastle region in New South Wales, standing out is more essential than ever. The exterior and interior of your takeaway shop act as silent ambassadors for your brand, setting the stage for the customer experience to come. That’s why many successful takeaway shops are turning to professional signage companies to conceptualise, design, print, and install high-quality, eye-catching signs. The strategic deployment of professionally crafted signage can be a game-changer in attracting more customers and increasing overall business revenue, especially if you are taking over an existing location.
- Choosing a specialised signage company ensures that you benefit from a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise. Professional designers understand the psychology of colour, the importance of typography, and the most effective use of various materials to achieve the desired visual impact. This translates into signs that are not just beautiful, but also functional and compliant with local regulations. Furthermore, using advanced design software and state-of-the-art printing technology, they can produce signs with crisp images, vibrant colors, and durable finishes that withstand weather conditions—essential for outdoor signage.
- The advantage of a full-service signage company extends beyond design and printing. Installation is another critical aspect that many overlook. Properly installed signage ensures safety, longevity, and optimal visibility. Another essential aspect of using a professional service is the ongoing maintenance and potential for updating the signage as your business grows or evolves. Whether it’s updating the seasonal promotions or changing the entire brand image, a reputable signage company often offers maintenance and updating services that make it easy to keep your signage current and effective.
Why take chances on something as crucial as the first impression made by your takeaway shop?
When you invest in professional signage services, you’re not just buying a product; you’re investing in a comprehensive solution that enhances brand recognition, facilitates customer engagement, and ultimately, drives sales. Whether you’re launching a new takeaway shop or revamping an existing establishment in the Newcastle region, choosing a professional signage company is a strategic move that pays off in both the short term and long run.
What are the benefits of new take away shop signage?
In the competitive world of fast food retailing, staying ahead of the curve is essential for success. One often overlooked yet incredibly impactful way to make a lasting impression on customers is through impactful shop signage that draws attention. A take away shop’s signage is not just a way finding tool; it’s a powerful marketing tool that can significantly influence customer perceptions about what you offer & help drive sales.
If your signage is old, faded or even broken then it can detract from the impression people then have of the food that is being served there.
- First impressions count: Your takeaway storefront signage is often the first point of contact between your business and potential customers. A new, well-designed signage can create a positive and lasting first impression, drawing customers into your store. Outdated or poorly maintained signs, on the other hand, can give the impression of neglect and lack of care by the business. A customer won’t say anything to you about it, but it forms part of their perception about your takeaway shop. People are very fussy about where they eat these days, so a modern looking take away shop will perform better than older ones.
- Enhanced brand image: As your business evolves, so should your brand image. New signage provides an opportunity to refresh your brand’s aesthetics, aligning it with your current values and target audience. Consistent branding across all touchpoints, including signage, reinforces brand recognition and loyalty.
- Increased visibility: Contemporary signage designs can incorporate elements that make your store stand out. The strategic use of colors, lighting, and fonts can enhance visibility, especially in crowded commercial areas. This increased visibility can attract foot traffic and improve overall awareness of your store, especially for signage that is lit up at night.
- Promotes sales and offers: New takeaway shop signage allows you to effectively promote ongoing sales, discounts, or special offers. Dynamic displays can capture attention and drive impulse purchases. Digital signage, in particular, enables you to easily update content, keeping customers informed about your latest deals.
- Reflects innovation: If your old signage looks outdated, it can send the message that your business is behind the times. Investing in new, innovative signage showcases your commitment to staying current and meeting customer expectations.
- Better navigation: Clear and well-designed signage helps customers navigate your store effortlessly. This leads to a better shopping experience, as customers can quickly find what they’re looking for. In contrast, confusing or unclear signs can frustrate customers and lead to missed opportunities.
- Improved aesthetics: Old and deteriorating signs can contribute to an overall shabby appearance. On the other hand, new signage contributes to a fresh and attractive ambiance that invites customers to explore and shop longer.
- Personalised customer experiences: Modern signage technologies, such as interactive displays, can provide customers with personalised recommendations based on their preferences. This creates a unique shopping experience that sets your store apart and this can include menu items, specials or even seasonal dishes being served.
- Cost-effective marketing: Compared to many other marketing efforts, signage can provide long-lasting returns for a one-time investment. Well-designed and strategically placed signs continue to work for your business, attracting customers day in and day out.
Getting new takeaway shop signage and removing old ones isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about strategically leveraging a valuable marketing tool. A fresh and appealing storefront can captivate potential customers, convey your brand’s identity, and ultimately drive sales. Whether through enhanced visibility, better navigation, or improved aesthetics, investing in new signage is an investment in the growth and success of your takeaway business easily.
Take away shop front signage installation
Once all the new takeaway shop signage design had been approved they were scheduled to be printed and delivered to the location to be installed. The installation of their new signage involved using ladders to get to the right vantage points safely We then began to install the new white signage that matched the existing wall colouring really well.
This installation took about 3 hours to complete and the cost to get similar signage designed, printed and installed would be between $4,000 and $5,000 inc gst depending on the sizing, material types or difficulty of the installation required.
Take away shop signage ideas
Sometimes we get asked to come up with different design ideas when we are making retail signage. For this project the brief was very clear and simple which was great.
We created mock ups for the awning to show that the business name could be seen up or down the street rather than just from front on. Covering the sides of an awning can then help tie together all the different visual areas that are visible.
We also did a mock up to show some of the design ideas that could be applied to the wall fascia area under the awning and on the front windows.
This is an important thing to do because Nicole’s design brief was to create a very simple minimalist look, so getting a graphic designer to mock this up can help visualise what the final installation will look like.
Who doesn’t love a good take away hamburger right? We digress, but here is a photo MK Takeaway used on their social media profiles and as you can see the design of the shop signage on the outside continues inside with a fresh bright white environment and business cards to match.
It means any visitor gets a consistent experience every time they visit and it will leave a lasting impression on anyone (even before they eat the food).
What other types of signage could this take away shop in Hamilton?
MK’s Takeaway had a focus to make sure their new shop was presentable and had a strong visual presence from the street. Although like most take away shops you can also use other types of signage to promote your brand, specific products or even services. Temporary signage can be used that is placed outside the shop or food delivery vehicle signage can promote a take away shop anytime the vehicle is being driven in the local area;
- Vehicle signage; The simplest way would be to have the logo on the doors and bonnet, although you can also do a full vehicle wrap which has a photo of their take away shop or even their food, their address and website details so that it is a mobile billboard, literally. They could even wrap a vehicle to have photos of the latest menu items or other products they sell to create interest and awareness.
- A Frame signage; depending on the local council requirements they may be able to place an A Frame on the footpath to attract the attention of people walking by. If they were to order a chalk board A Frame then they could have menu or coffee specials for different days or other information to share with people to attract them inside.
- Pedestrian dividers; lots of cafes or take away shops have permission from the local council to use the outdoor area in front of their shop to have tables and chairs for customers to use. By getting pedestrian dividers printed you can use these to not only brand your space, but create an area that feels separated to the rest of the area. It creates a visual barrier and space to promote your brand at the same time.
- Banner flags; depending on the local council requirements and the size of the banner flag they may be able to place these on the corner of the street or outside their shop to attract attention. The movement of the banner flag with the breeze can catch someone’s eye and it is something different for people to notice and look at as they walk by.
What types of take away shop signage do we get asked for?
Take away shop signage can be strategically placed in various locations to effectively promote a store and attract customers. Here are some common locations and types of building signage used for retail shops that we get asked to design, print and install;
- Printed menus: Probably the number one thing every take away shop gets done is to have some form of printed menu or flyer that people can read to help decide what to eat. Probably more important for a cafe or a restaurant, but a take away shop can have menus printed and laminated as well.
Menu Boards: Whether digital or traditional, menu boards are essential for informing customers about what’s available, along with prices. A menu board can be printed & installed on walls or facias inside the take away shop. These can be complimented with digital menu boards have the added advantage of being easily updated and can display rotating content, such as limited-time offers or featured items.
Promotional Signs: These are used to advertise special deals, new items, or events. They can be placed in the windows, on sandwich boards outside the shop, or even inside the store near the point of purchase to encourage upselling. With the advent of digital displays, you can even change promotions daily or seasonally with ease.
- Facade Signage: This is the primary signage located on the exterior facade of the building. It includes the store’s name, logo, and sometimes tagline. Facade signage is highly visible and plays a crucial role in brand recognition and attracting foot traffic.
- Window Graphics: Window displays are an excellent opportunity to showcase products, promotions, and the store’s identity. Vinyl graphics, decals, and window posters can be used to communicate special offers or seasonal themes.
- Awnings and Canopies: Awnings not only provide shade but also offer space for additional signage. They can display the store’s name, logo, and sometimes a brief description of the products or services offered.
- Footpath Signs: Also known as A-frame signs, these are placed on the sidewalk outside the store to capture the attention of passing pedestrians. They can showcase daily specials, new arrivals, or simply direct customers to the store entrance.
- Roof Signage: If the retail shop is located in a multistory building, roof signage can be visible from a distance, helping customers locate the store easily.
- Fascia Signage: This type of signage is mounted directly to the front of the building, usually just above the entrance. It provides essential information such as the store’s name, opening hours, and contact details.
- Pylon Signs: Commonly used in shopping centers or areas with multiple stores, pylon signs are tall, freestanding structures that display the names and logos of several businesses. They are visible from a distance and help customers locate the retail shop.
- Wall Murals: A creative and attention-grabbing option, wall murals can transform the exterior walls of a store into a visually appealing display that communicates the brand’s identity and message.
- Banners and Flags: Hanging banners or flags can be placed on the building’s exterior to highlight special events, grand openings, or limited-time promotions.
- Directional Signs: These signs guide customers to the store’s entrance or parking area. They are particularly useful in large shopping complexes or malls.
- Entrance Decals: Placing decals on the entrance doors can create an inviting atmosphere and communicate important information, such as opening hours.
Choosing the right combination of signage types and locations depends on factors such as the store’s branding, location, target audience, available space that can be used and of course the budget available. An effective signage strategy considers both visibility and aesthetics to create a compelling and impactful storefront presence in any suburb.
What factors does a signwriter consider when creating take away shop signage?
Designing effective take away shop signage requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure that the signage not only captures attention but also effectively communicates the brand message and drives customer engagement for that shop. Here are the most important factors to consider when designing retail shop signage:
- Branding consistency: Your signage should be an extension of your brand identity. Ensure that the colors, fonts, and overall design align with your brand’s existing visual elements. Consistency builds brand recognition and helps customers connect the signage to your business.
- Clarity and simplicity: Keep the messaging simple and concise. Your signage should convey its message quickly and clearly, especially for those passing by. Avoid clutter and excessive information that can confuse or overwhelm viewers.
- Readability: Choose fonts that are easily readable from a distance. Consider factors like font size, style, and color contrast to ensure that the text can be easily understood even from afar.
- Visibility and contrast: High contrast between text and background enhances readability. Opt for colors that stand out against the surroundings. Consider the lighting conditions throughout the day; your signage should remain visible even in different lighting situations.
- Message focus: Determine the primary message you want to convey through the signage. Whether it’s announcing a sale, showcasing a product, or highlighting your brand, make sure the message is clear and central.
- Location consideration: Design your signage with its intended location in mind. The size, layout, and orientation should fit seamlessly within the space and maximise visibility.
- Call to action: If applicable, include a compelling call to action (CTA). Whether it’s “Visit us today,” “Shop now,” or “Learn more,” a clear CTA prompts customers to take action.
- Visual hierarchy: Arrange elements in a way that guides the viewer’s eye from the most important information to supporting details. Prioritize information based on its relevance and impact.
- Material selection: Choose durable and weather-resistant materials that can withstand the elements, especially if the signage will be placed outdoors. The material should also align with your brand’s aesthetic.
- Incorporate brand imagery: Including high-quality images or graphics related to your products, services, or brand can help create a more engaging and memorable experience.
- Negative space: Don’t overcrowd the signage with elements. Negative space (empty areas) can help improve visual clarity and make the design more aesthetically pleasing. A lot of people feel like they need to fit every possible bit of information they can think of into their signage, what this often does it make it hard to ready, visually very busy & it ends up being confusing to the point people won’t even read it.
- Adaptability: Consider how the signage design can be adapted for different sizes and formats, such as window displays, banners, or digital screens.
- Regulations and guidelines: Check if there are any local regulations or guidelines that dictate the size, placement, or content of signage. Complying with these rules is essential to avoid any legal issues.
- Timelessness: Aim for a design that won’t quickly become outdated. Trends change, so a timeless design will have a longer shelf life and won’t require frequent updates.
By carefully addressing these factors, you can create retail shop signage that effectively captures attention, communicates your message, and contributes to a positive customer experience.
We hope you enjoyed our behind the scenes look at how another owner approached their business signage creation project. At Screen Signs, we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have and are always happy to come up with some mock up ideas to get things started.
