Sometimes it’s obvious you need to redesign your storefront awning . But sometimes the signs aren’t so obvious, or they’re a little easier to ignore. So take a look at your place from your customer’s point of view. Because if your awning isn’t doing a bang-up marketing job, it isn’t helping grow your business.
Do any of these signs point to you?
New concept.
Your little lunchtime eatery has blossomed, and you’re adding take-out and catering. Or your tried-and-true “steak and suds” format has become embarrassingly outdated, so you’re introducing a new trendy menu and industrial chic interior. The old awning just doesn’t work any more. You need a new storefront awning that reflects the new you.
Corporate merger or acquisition.
Your business hasn’t changed, really, but it’s no longer business as usual from an identity standpoint. It’s essential to create a new storefront awning that accurately depicts this newly-acquired name and look.
Often, changes such as this are accompanied by a great sense of urgency if you’re in certain industries – not just for practical reasons, but to comply with corporate or government regulations. You don’t just need a new storefront awning, you need it fast.
New location.
You’ve moved. Changes are slim that your old storefront awning will fit your new space, so it’s time for a redesign that matches your new exterior as well as your business.
Expansion.
There’s nothing better than a business that’s growing. But if you’ve acquired the space next door and that extends your street frontage, you’ll need a redesigned storefront awning that shows off your growth and identifies the entirety of your newly extended exterior. Besides, you want to be sure all your windows are properly shaded by your awnings, to protect whatever’s on the inside from heat and the sun’s UV rays that can damage furnishings and merchandise.
Or perhaps this is the year you’re finally expanding outward, putting your sidewalk or patio to use for additional food and beverage seating. Your patrons will be thrilled, but they’ll be a lot happier if you cover that space with an awning that shades them from the sun. Your redesigned awning will promote your new outdoor seating to potential customers, too.
New ownership.
If you just purchased a business that carries the name of the former owner, you definitely need a new storefront awning that puts you in your rightful place.
Or maybe the business you purchased has been less than successful for whatever reason. You need more than a sign that says “under new management” to attract renewed customer interest, you need a new look, maybe even a new name, certainly a new storefront awning that pulls it all together with a fresh visual identity.
Nothing is new about your business, including your storefront awning.
It could be you’re simply becoming bored, because your current awning has been in place so long. If that’s the case, consider the fact that your prospective customers may have become bored, too – so used to seeing the same old awning they don’t even notice it or your business any more.
Worse, if your storefront awning is so old it’s starting to look past its prime, it’s speaking volumes – negative ones – about your place. It’s time to get rid of it and start over.
You saw something different you really love.
Good for you, for keeping your eyes – and your mind – open. Today’s storefront awning designs are more varied and versatile than ever, so why shouldn’t you take advantage of that? Especially if you have a cutting-edge business.
For some applications, you might consider retractable awnings. A retractable addition can be a valuable and cost-effective alternative, if your goal is to seasonally expand an existing storefront awning.
If one of these signs points to you, don’t ignore it. A storefront awning can help build your business, but only if it’s the right awning. Learn more about our commercial awnings.
