For business chains, consistency is critical. You’re expected to adhere to detailed corporate standards regarding products and presentation. Of course for most chains, the standardization is primarily on the interior – the merchandise you carry and how it’s displayed, the food you serve, your lodging room amenities and so on. Commercial awnings standardize your stores on the exterior.
For any type of business chain, commercial awnings make your stores instantly recognizable in name and appearance. That’s critical to reinforce your branding.
But each of your locations is actually a bit different. Even if your corporate model calls for only stand-alone, virtually identical structures, there are other factors to consider. And they vary from place to place. Factors like potentially extreme weather conditions. Traffic patterns. Local building codes and regulations. Sign ordinances, and landscape rules that often affect signage.
And anyone in business knows those details can bite you. That new store in Hilton Head will face very different weather, etc. than your New York City locations or your store in Phoenix or Minneapolis. Your commercial awnings have to meet strict company performance and appearance standards, and they have to provide superior visibility and durability in their local environment.
Not every commercial awnings company can meet your standards.
You need a commercial awning partner with comprehensive capabilities. One with demonstrable relevant experience, working knowledge of your location and a reputation for the highest quality when it comes to materials, state-of-the-art equipment, skilled and experienced workmanship and installation.
Commercial awnings can sometimes be a single, straight-forward project. More likely, your project includes a complex combination of multiple awning types and sizes to identify your entrance, provide sidewalk protection for a wide run of streetside windows, highlight individual upper-floor windows or shade a courtyard café or pool area.
Whether your chain involves franchisees or you’re a multi-location national enterprise, you have different decision-making processes and protocols than the typical mom-and-pop business or even an entrepreneur who owns two or three shops. You need someone who understands your behind-the-scenes requirements. Professionals used to working alongside corporate architects and builders to ensure your commercial awnings fit seamlessly into your visual standards and construction schedule.
You want a commercial awnings company that does their own work. An all-in-one house can give you a streamlined experience, ongoing communication and the most timely turnaround. You might represent a big chain, but you should be treated with the same level of personal respect and attention you’d expect from your Grandma’s corner grocery store.
So pick a company that won’t just plug you into some “corporate account” formula but will work with you personally and responsively to ensure every nuance is just right. The right company will go above and beyond, to discuss optional accessories or additions that could augment the value of your commercial awnings, not just take your specs and call you when the work is done.
The good news is, you can have it your way.
Today’s awning options ensure you can meet exacting corporate standards down to the last detail. That’s especially important when it comes to graphics. A top quality company can use digital printing on commercial awnings to ensure you get precisely-matched custom colors. They can put even the most detailed logo or other thematic designs anywhere you want them to appear on your awnings.
Experienced professionals can readily modify your specifications, if necessary, to fit an unusual situation, without sacrificing the overall result.
Whether the business chain you represent includes boutique retail shops or large box stores, eateries, hotels or sporting goods stores, choosing the right awning company will bring your commercial awnings to life and ensure their lifespan is long and trouble-free.
