The evolution of retail signage

Retail companies have always used signs to increase visibility and hook potential customers.

Everything from the materials to the manufacturing and styles of those signs continues to evolve, and this is what this blog will explore.

The handcrafted signage era

The shop signs made between the 1920s and 1940s were built by hand. Metal and woodworkers created them before skilled sign-writers applied beautiful lettering in styles like gold leaf. Aside from wood and metal, some shops in urban locations opted for signs crafted from enamel. Each sign was highly individual and ornate, showcasing the pride of local shopkeepers.

The standardisation of sign manufacturing

This changed after World War Two, with the advent of production on a mass scale. Moving into the 1960s and 1970s, retail chains and franchises began to dominate high streets, leading to more uniformity of signage design. Giant brands such as Woolworths had to be immediately identifiable in any location. This era also saw further materials introduced into signage manufacturing, including PVC and acrylic.

The advent of digital

The 1980s and 1990s brought further evolution, as sign makers embraced computer-aided design and digital print methods. These reduced costs and sped up signage production, while also allowing a wider variety of colours to be deployed in the designs. The result was that small retail outlets could afford high quality signs.

Signage starts to move

The current era allows for retail signs with moving digital displays as well as energy-efficient LED illumination. The primary purposes of the signs remain the same though.

For cutting-edge retail signs in Manchester, call Ainsley Signs now.