It is also now a fairly common sight to see store fronts illuminated across our retail landscape. Many sign companies are embracing this positive addition to their service and product portfolio. Estate agents were amongst the first to see the competitive advantage that illuminated window display pockets provide and turned to signage partners for support.

Sign companies and display installers are discovering how large the marketplace is for illuminated window display pockets. For those who are suppling and installing these kits, the increased revenue and healthy profit margin is having a positive influence on their bottom line.

With almost 3,000 high street estate agencies in Greater London alone, there has never been a better time for sign companies to add this revenue generator to their portfolio.

Untapped opportunity

The retail sector has always viewed window architecture as valuable real estate. It grabs the attention of potential passing trade, invites them in and allows the sales cycle to begin. The sign industry has added value to that process over the years, but what about after hours? Although our shops have had illuminated signage for many years, the development of illuminated displays is now offering retailers an opportunity to court passing trade after closing time.

We have all seen the familiar ‘new to market’ and ‘property of the week’ schedules that adorn estate agent windows, with illuminated displays bringing new focus, these businesses now have the chance to grab attention and speak to the public 24/7.

Signlink spoke with Stephen Ferrie, director at I Spi Trade, a leading sign industry trade supplier of LED window systems. He explained how he has seen a healthy rise in the demand for LED window display systems from his sign trade customers over the last few years: “From sign companies to shopfitters, the growth in demand for LED window pockets is having a positive effect on their business. Many have told us that they are discovering these systems are a new way to reach and grow their own customer base.”

Ferrie continues: “We worked with one of our customers recently to deliver a series of bespoke ‘mix and match’ systems for their client, a national estate agency franchise. Working together, we realised that feature properties, closing date and even hard to shift properties, required more prominence within the window. The new displays have created greater telephone and online enquiry levels.”

What about the rest of the retail sector? Although estate agencies have been quicker off the mark than most, others are now beginning to see the benefits too. From hairdressers to nail bars, owners are showcasing their talents and even highlighting customer reviews within the illuminated posters.

The LED display systems are also becoming a firm favourite with restaurants and pubs promoting ‘The Dish of The Day’ events or new drinks promotions.

“From sign companies to shopfitters, the growth in demand for LED window pockets is having a positive effect on their business,” explains Stephen Ferrie, director at I Spi Trade

Ferrie adds: “A4 and A3 sizes, in landscape and portrait options are proving the most popular and are a great way for retailers to deliver the right message and maximise attention. Some have also used the LED pockets to promote their brand and contact details, as well as using QR codes to direct customers to their online shops and booking sites.”

Many retailers are discovering that LEDs are an effective way to ‘keep the lights on’, whilst being cost effective and a greener alternative to traditional window lighting.

Steve Brereton at Signage Systems based in Manchester also weighs in on this trend: “More and more we are experiencing a wide range of sectors asking for support with LED window displays. Although the installation process is not complex, having the experience of the cabling and electrical structure of the systems is a must, this will help ensure safe and secure installation.”

Brereton continues: “In reality, we have seen such a growth in enquiries, we are dedicating more and more time to supporting companies who wish to use the systems to maximise their visual window communications.”

Flexible and sustainable

As the demand for the systems has grown, so has the marketplace for installers. Ferrie went on to explain: “The beauty of the kits is that they offer the versatility to interchange panels of different sizes and orientations. With breakages, it’s normally a simple switch over with a replacement panel. For signage companies that partner with the retail sector, the opportunity is huge. From planning through to design, supply and install through to maintenance and after care, there is a great opportunity for the industry going forward.”

It seems obvious that as more and more visual merchandisers and retail business owners see the benefit of LED window displays to promote their brands, the future looks very bright for this area of the sign industry.

You can shop for LED Window Displays from iSpi Trade by clicking here.

If you have an interesting story or a view on this news, then please e-mail news@signlink.co.uk

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