subject: Engaging Consumers In Southampton [print this page] Maximise Your Opportunities Maximise Your Opportunities
If you have a business working in a commercial, retail environment then the Christmas period in Southampton is important. Whether you're located in the high street, one of the city's shopping centres, a retail park or a local retail centre, you'll want to make sure that you're advertising your presence to potential customers, particularly in high-footfall areas where physical marketing is likely to have a real effect. In Southampton, there is a wide range of suppliers that provide signage, banners and display stands for local businesses. You'll find that for banners, point-of-sale advertising or signage Southampton is well ahead when it comes to innovative customer promotion.
If your retail unit is located in the Bargate, West Quay, East Street or the Marlands retail centres in particular, good quality signage will be vital as you compete with national brands and high-street favourites. Distinguish yourself with innovative branding, well-designed graphics and carefully chosen typefaces that appeal to your target market. Signage can be permanent and affixed to your shop front, or temporary in the case of tied banners, which are also very popular around Ocean Village and Swanwick Marina to promote local restaurants and bars.
For good quality signage Southampton suppliers are plentiful and of excellent quality. Look for local production companies with links to media or external board space agencies if you're considering upgrading your external promotions to incorporate billboards, bus advertising or other forms of outdoor marketing. A good signage provider will also be able to discuss your objectives and market position within Southampton's retail space and advise on local factors to bear in mind. For example, the marina areas and high street can be notoriously windy in winter and lightweight A-boards or loosely attached banners can be at risk. Fixed signage or adhesive temporary advertising could be good options in such cases. Ask for advice and ideally also ask to see samples so you can learn about the different finishes, specifications and products available.
Remember your artwork provision too, especially if you don't have access to a graphic designer within your business. A good print production company is likely to have an in-house or affiliated graphic-design resource which they can use to produce signage artwork for you in line with your brand and key messaging. For advertising and marketing exterior signage in Southampton, remember that footfall is extremely high in the main shopping areas but the visual space is crowded with a raft of advertisements. You'll need to ensure that your messaging is effective and well targeted for it to be perceived and acted upon by the passing crowds.
