Store Signs: What They Are, Costs, Types, and Where To Buy

Store signs are the visual cues that tell people who you are, where to enter, and why to come in. They include everything from big letters on the building and projecting blade signs to window graphics, A‑frames, menu boards, and even digital screens. Good signage does three jobs at once: it identifies your business, attracts attention from the street or sidewalk, and helps customers find what they need once inside. The right mix not only reinforces your brand but also supports safety and accessibility by guiding traffic and meeting local rules.

This guide gives you a clear path to choosing the right store signs with confidence. You’ll learn why signage impacts foot traffic and sales, the most common exterior and interior types, materials and lighting options, size and readability rules, and design best practices. We’ll cover permits and ADA essentials, real-world price ranges and cost drivers, budget snapshots, where to buy (local vs. online), what to ask before ordering, timelines, installation tips, maintenance, low-cost alternatives, modern digital trends, how to track ROI, and mistakes to avoid.

Why store signs matter for visibility and sales

On a busy street, you get seconds to win attention. Store signs work like an always‑on salesperson: they signal who you are, what you offer, and where to enter—fast. Clear storefront signage boosts walk‑ins, reduces confusion, supports accessibility, and reinforces brand cues customers remember when it’s time to buy.

Visibility and recall: Bold, readable signage cuts through visual noise and makes your brand easy to spot again.
Credibility and compliance: Professional signs convey trust and help meet local and accessibility requirements.
Conversion and wayfinding: Simple messages and arrows guide customers to the door, the counter, and the products they want.

Exterior store sign types

Outside is where store signs earn their keep—grabbing attention at speed, confirming location, and guiding customers to the door. Choose a primary ID sign people can read from the street, then support it with secondary signs for foot traffic. Sightlines, traffic speed, and local codes will shape your mix; illumination extends visibility after dusk and in bad weather.

Channel letters: Individual 3D letters, often illuminated, mounted to the facade for crisp brand recognition.
Sign cabinets (box signs): Enclosed panels with graphics; can be lit for consistent nighttime readability.
Blade/projecting signs: Perpendicular to the building to catch sidewalk and cross‑street views.
Awning or canopy graphics: Shade plus branded visibility and shelter at the entry.
Monument signs: Ground‑level structures for entrances or parking lots; great for multi‑tenant sites.
Pylon/tenant signs: Tall roadside IDs that reach drivers from farther away.
Window and door graphics: Hours, services, and promos that activate glass without blocking light.
A‑frames/sidewalk boards: Portable curb appeal for daily specials and wayfinding.
Banners and temporary signs: Budget‑friendly for openings, events, and seasonal offers.
Exterior wayfinding and parking: Directional arrows, pickup zones, and compliance notices that smooth arrivals.

Interior store sign types

Once customers cross the threshold, interior store signs keep them moving with confidence—clarifying departments, prices, promos, policies, and safety. The best in-store signage feels seamless: consistent with your brand, readable at a glance, and placed where decisions happen. Mix permanent identifiers with flexible, changeable pieces so you can refresh offers without redesigning everything.

Overhead department IDs: Big, simple labels that anchor major sections.
Aisle markers/category blades: Fast orientation for product families and SKUs.
Directional wayfinding: Arrows and “You are here” maps that reduce backtracking.
Point‑of‑purchase (POP): Countertop signs and impulse displays that lift add‑ons.
Menu boards/price lists: Clear, legible pricing for food, salons, and services.
Shelf talkers/wobblers: Callouts for features, reviews, or limited‑time deals.
Floor graphics and safety decals: Queues, one‑way flows, hazards, and pickup spots.
Window/interior glass graphics: Hours, privacy bands, and promos facing in-store.
ADA and restroom signs: Tactile/Braille room IDs and accessible routes.
Policy and compliance notices: Returns, age restrictions, and employee‑only areas.

Materials, finishes, and illumination options

The materials and lighting you choose determine how long your store signs last, how they look by day and night, and how much upkeep they need. Exterior storefront signage benefits from rigid, weatherproof substrates and efficient LEDs; interiors often favor lighter, changeable graphics. Finishes control glare and color depth—important for readability and brand tone across different lighting conditions.

Substrates: Aluminum and ACM stay rigid and rust‑free; acrylic/polycarbonate provide smooth, durable faces; PVC/HDU are lightweight (great inside) and carve well; sealed wood delivers warmth but needs maintenance.
Films and print: Premium vinyl graphics (cast for contours) and reflective films like ORALITE boost visibility; UV‑cured inks resist fading.
Finishes: Matte for low glare, gloss for pop; brushed or powder‑coated metals; protective clear coats and anti‑graffiti laminates.
Illumination (internal): LED front‑lit channel letters, halo‑lit (reverse), cabinet lightboxes, and push‑through acrylic for crisp night readability.
Illumination (external): Gooseneck or flood lighting for painted or non‑lit signs and where internal lighting is restricted.
Hardware and build: Stainless fasteners, standoffs, and sealed electrical ensure longevity; modular faces simplify future updates.

Size, placement, and readability guidelines

Size, placement, and readability determine whether your store signs are seen or skipped. Start by defining your primary viewing scenario: fast-moving drivers, slow sidewalk traffic, or both. Choose a main storefront sign sized for your longest viewing distance, then layer secondary signs for close‑range decisions. Keep sightlines clear, follow local limits on area/projection, and design for high contrast under daylight and nighttime lighting.

Build a hierarchy: One primary ID, a secondary locator (blade/awning), then essentials like hours and entry cues.
Place for approach: Fascia signs for drivers (higher, wide), blade signs for pedestrians (perpendicular), window graphics at eye level for promos.
Keep copy tight: Brand + one message or action. Less text reads faster and from farther away.
Maximize contrast: Light on dark or dark on light; avoid busy backgrounds. Reflective or illuminated faces help in low light.
Control glare: Matte finishes and opaque backers improve legibility on glass.
Protect sightlines: Avoid trees, poles, and interior clutter behind windows.
Test at scale: Mock up on photos or print full‑size sections to verify readability before you produce.

Design best practices for storefront signage

Design is what turns a passing glance into a step inside. Strong storefront signage blends brand consistency with instant readability, so people grasp who you are and what to do next—without slowing down. Keep your store signs simple, bold, and purposeful, then repeat the same rules across windows, blades, and A‑frames to build recognition.

Be brand‑true: Lock in colors, typography, and logo use—then stick to them.
Say one thing: Prioritize a single message; cut anything that competes.
Choose legible type: Clean, high‑x‑height fonts; avoid scripts for distance reads.
Maximize contrast: Dark on light or light on dark; add opaque backers on glass.
Set hierarchy: Logo first, then descriptor or CTA; size by importance.
Use generous space: Wider margins and line spacing boost legibility fast.
Make action obvious: Short verbs (“Enter,” “Order Pickup,” “Open”) near the decision point.

Compliance essentials: permits, zoning, and ADA rules

Compliance is the guardrail that keeps your timeline and budget on track. Before you finalize designs for store signs, confirm what your city or county allows, what your lease requires, and which accessibility rules apply. Zoning controls size, placement, and lighting; ADA governs accessible identification and wayfinding. Build approval time into your schedule to avoid costly rework.

Permits and submittals: Most exterior or illuminated store signs require permits with drawings and specs.
Zoning limits: Local codes cap sign area, height, projection, and locations; historic districts are stricter.
Illumination and electrical: Lit signs typically need electrical permits, inspections, and listed components.
ADA requirements: Provide compliant tactile/Braille room IDs, high-contrast, non‑glare faces, and clear routes.
Landlord and multi‑tenant criteria: Follow building sign programs; pre‑approval is usually mandatory.
Right‑of‑way and temporary rules: A‑frames, banners, or projecting signs may need separate approvals and duration limits.

How much store signs cost (price ranges and cost drivers)

Budgets for store signs vary widely by scope. As a baseline, small window lettering or a painted glass sign can be under $200. Many storefront signs built with quality materials land around $2,300–$3,400, and complex or illuminated installations can range from a few hundred dollars up to $20,000+ depending on size and features.

Size and visibility needs: Larger letters and longer viewing distances drive material and labor.
Materials and build: Aluminum/ACM, acrylic, carved substrates, and premium films cost more but last longer.
Illumination: LED channel letters, cabinets, and electrical work add significant expense.
Installation complexity: Heights, lifts, masonry, and reusing or removing old signage affect labor.
Permits and engineering: Plan review, drawings, inspections, and landlord requirements add fees.
Design and prototyping: Brand development, proofs, and color matching take time.
Quantity and updates: Multi‑sign packages and modular faces improve per‑unit pricing.
Timeline: Rush production or tight install windows increase costs.

Budget snapshots by sign type and use case

Use these quick ranges to reality‑check your plan. Actual pricing depends on size, materials, illumination, installation, permits, and your market, but these brackets help you match store signs to goals without surprises.

Under $200: Small painted glass or simple window lettering for hours/door IDs; quick updates for openings and promos.
A few hundred dollars: Vinyl banners, vinyl decals, and coroplast signs for parking, curbside pickup, or seasonal messages.
Around $2,300–$3,400: An average‑sized primary storefront sign built with quality materials; common for many small retailers.
Several thousand dollars (varies): Illuminated channel letters, lit blade signs, or cabinet lightboxes; electrical and height drive costs.
$20,000+ and up: Large pylon/monument signs, multi‑tenant programs, or complex illuminated facades and multi‑site rollouts.

Where to buy store signs: local sign shops vs online vendors

Choosing where to buy store signs comes down to complexity, timeline, and budget. For illuminated, permitted exterior storefront signage, local sign shops shine: site survey, landlord specs, permits, and installation. For non‑lit panels, banners, and window decals, online vendors offer quick ordering and transparent pricing. Many teams go hybrid—local for the primary ID and online for the rest of the store signs package.

Local sign shops: Full service (survey, code, build, install); higher cost and longer lead times.
Online vendors: Instant quotes, templates, fast shipping; limited help with permits/installation and fewer complex lighting options.
Hybrid strategy: Local for the main storefront sign; online for decals, A‑frames, and seasonal promos.

What to ask before you order (quotes, proofs, warranties)

Before you commit to storefront signage, get every promise in writing. For store signs, the fine print—proof cycles, materials, installation scope, and warranties—drives cost and timeline. Use these questions to compare local shops and online vendors fairly, and confirm who owns design files and future updates.

Itemized quote: Materials, size, lighting, permits, install.
Proofs: Revision limits, Pantone matching, to‑scale mockups.
Lead times: Design, permitting, production, shipping, install.
Warranties: Materials, LEDs/power supplies, labor; exclusions.
Installation scope: Electrical, lifts, wall repair, old sign removal.
Compliance help: Code checks, landlord approvals, ADA needs.

The ordering timeline: design, permits, production, and installation

Mapping the timeline up front keeps your project on schedule and your grand‑opening date intact. Illuminated or exterior store signs usually require approvals and inspections; simple decals and banners move faster. Wherever possible, overlap tasks—start proofs while you confirm codes, and book installation once fabrication is locked.

Discovery and site survey: Goals, measurements, photos, power access, wall conditions.
Design and proofs: Brand alignment, to‑scale mockups, revisions, color approvals.
Landlord/program review: Conform to building criteria before you submit permits.
Permits and engineering: Drawings, load calcs, electrical; allow for review time.
Production/fabrication: Materials ordered, letters/cabinets built, graphics printed.
Pre‑install prep: Electrical roughed‑in, old signage removed if needed.
Installation and inspection: Mount, wire, test; schedule final city/utility checks.
Closeout and handoff: Warranties, maintenance tips, spare parts/paint chips for future store signs.

Installation basics, safety, and who should do the work

Great design fails if installation is sloppy or unsafe. Decide early: DIY works for decals, window graphics, and small non‑electric panels at eye level; illuminated, heavy, or elevated store signs belong with a licensed sign installer and electrician—especially when permits and inspections apply. Prioritize safe access, correct hardware, and clean power to protect your storefront signage long‑term.

Prep the site: Verify measurements, mark mounting points, locate studs/structure and hidden utilities.
Match hardware to substrate: Use rated anchors for masonry/metal/wood; stainless fasteners resist corrosion.
Mind the power: De‑energize circuits, use listed components, and schedule required inspections for lit store signs.
Work at height safely: Ladders/lifts, trained operators, fall protection, and calm weather windows.
Seal and isolate: Seal penetrations and isolate dissimilar metals to prevent leaks and galvanic corrosion.
Final checks: Level and torque, test illumination, clean surfaces, and document with photos for landlord/city closeout.

Maintenance, repairs, and expected lifespan

Proactive care keeps store signs sharp, safe, and compliant. Focus on the pieces that age fastest—graphics, faces, LEDs/power supplies, and sealants—while protecting substrates like aluminum, ACM, and acrylic. A simple seasonal routine and documented inspections prevent staining, water intrusion, and flicker, and you can reface many cabinets instead of replacing the entire sign.

Gentle cleaning: Mild soap; no solvents or abrasives.
Hardware/sealants: Tighten fasteners; reseal wall penetrations.
Illumination: Test LEDs, drivers, timers; vent enclosures.
Graphics/faces: Reface or re‑laminate before fading spreads.
After storms: Inspect alignment, cracks, and water intrusion.

Keep simple records and warranties.

Low-cost signage options for tight budgets

When funds are tight, prioritize simple, high‑impact store signs you can install yourself. Standard sizes, light materials, and changeable graphics deliver visibility without the custom price tag. Reuse existing hardware where you can, and let low-cost storefront signage handle hours, promos, and wayfinding while you save for a future illuminated primary ID.

Vinyl banners: Affordable, durable, quick to hang with grommets.
Vinyl lettering/decals: Doors, windows, hours, and promos—easy DIY.
Coroplast signs: Lightweight inserts for sidewalks, parking, pickup.
A‑frames with chalk/marker panels: Reusable daily specials and arrows.
Window posters + snap/suction frames: Fast swaps for campaigns.
Reface existing lightbox/cabinet face: New graphic without new sign.
Floor decals: Queues, safety, and impulse prompts at checkout.
Seasonal removable wall/window graphics: Rotate sales without repainting.

Boosting your storefront with decals, window graphics, and floor signs

Decals, window graphics, and floor signs multiply the impact of your primary store signs. They activate glass, doors, and walkways with brand, promos, and wayfinding—without permits or heavy installs. Because they’re affordable and easy to swap, you can stay seasonal, test messages, and reinforce safety right where decisions happen.

Hours and entry cues: Door lettering confirms hours, entrance, and open/closed status.
Eye‑level promos: Window bands or graphics promote offers and add light privacy.
Routes and pickups: Floor graphics steer queues, mark pickup zones, and reduce congestion.
Safety reminders: Decals flag hazards, wet floors, and restricted areas—clean and removable.

Digital signage and modern trends worth considering

Digital signage turns static store signs into changeable, on‑brand media. Use screens for menus, promos, and service status, then align on‑screen messages with window decals and floor graphics so customers know where to go. Keep content short, high‑contrast, and captioned. Start with one primary display at the entry or counter and expand after you see what moves the needle.

Dayparted content: Breakfast, lunch, evening, and weekend rotations.
POS sync: Prices and sold‑out items update automatically.
QR/NFC bridges: Touchless menus, coupons, and pickup check‑ins.
Auto‑brightness: Sensor‑based dimming saves energy and glare.
Brand templates: Lock fonts/colors so every update stays consistent.

Measuring performance: how to track ROI from signage

Great store signs should pay their way. Treat storefront signage like a channel: capture a baseline for traffic and sales, launch the sign, then compare after. Use unique promo codes, QR/UTM links, or dedicated phone numbers per location/sign. Track week‑over‑week and against the same period last year to reduce seasonality noise. For in‑store tests, change one variable at a time—message, size, or placement—while keeping pricing and hours constant.

Foot traffic → sales: Door counts vs. transactions to see entry conversion.
AOV and basket mix: Track lifts for SKUs featured on POP or end‑cap signs.
Redemptions/scans: Promo code use and QR/UTM scans by specific sign and spot.
Call/chat attribution: Unique numbers or QR to attribute inquiries to store signs.
Wayfinding efficiency: Shorter time‑to‑serve and fewer “where is” questions.
Safety impact: Fewer slip/near‑miss reports after floor decals and wayfinding.
Cost per incremental sale: Compare added sales to total sign spend.
A/B creative: Alternate A‑frame messages by day; compare lift.

ROI = (Incremental Profit - Total Sign Cost) / Total Sign Cost
Incremental Profit = Incremental Revenue × Gross Margin

Mistakes to avoid with store signs

Small missteps can erase the impact of otherwise great store signs. Prioritize readability, placement, and compliance first, then layer brand polish. If drivers can’t read it at speed—or pedestrians can’t find the entrance—you paid for decoration, not performance. Avoid these common pitfalls when planning storefront signage.

Overstuffed messages: More than one idea kills legibility.
Low contrast and glare: Dark-on-dark or glossy glass disappears.
Undersized type: Letters too small for viewing distance.
Bad placement: Blocked by trees, awnings, or interior clutter.
Skipping permits/ADA: Rework, fines, and delays add cost.
No lighting plan: Invisible at dusk, cloudy days, or winter.

Final thoughts

Store signs are your always‑on salesperson. Choose a clear primary ID, layer supporting pieces for pedestrians, design for high contrast and speed of read, and plan permits, lighting, and installation early. Then maintain what you install and track results so every dollar works harder the next time.

Ready for practical next steps? Audit your frontage, set a budget per sign type, and prioritize fast‑impact upgrades—window lettering, decals, and changeable in‑store graphics—while you scope the main illuminated sign. For durable, compliant decals, window and floor graphics, and custom safety labeling that supports your brand and operations, partner with Safety Decals. We can help you move from idea to installed with confidence.