Retail Point-of-Sale Signs, Shelf Strips and In-Store Displays

• Supermarkets, convenience stores and pharmacies with many products and frequent price changes
• Fashion and footwear stores that need brand-led display and size information
• Cosmetics and wellness counters with product-specific signs
• Hardware and building supply stores with aisle and bay identification
• Cellphone and electronics stores with tariff, plan and accessory displays
• Restaurants and cafes with counter, order and payment-point signs
• Chains that need standard fixture signs for every branch

• Counter and till signs: acrylic holders, framed panels and lit counter displays for offers, payment methods and brand.
• Shelf strips and talkers: narrow strips and clip-on talkers for aisle shelving and price points.
• Hanging signs: ceiling-hung panels for aisles, departments and promotions, see also projecting and hanging signs for storefront versions.
• Product stands and display risers: branded stands for featured products.
• Menu and list holders: frames that accept changeable inserts.
• Changeable panels: snap-frames, slide-in pockets and magnetic surfaces for fast updates.
• Branded fixtures: metal or acrylic headers for gondolas and fixtures.

The key decision is how often the content changes. Frequent changes need slide-in or snap-frame formats; fixed brand messages can be permanent.

POS signs use lighter materials than exterior signage: clear and coloured acrylic, PVC foam board, aluminium composite panel, powder-coated or brushed metal, printed media and vinyl. Acrylic suits holders, stands and edge-lit panels. Foam board and composite panel suit large printed hanging signs. Metal suits fixtures that get knocked by trolleys and stock. Finishes include gloss, matt, frosted and brushed, and laminate protects printed surfaces from fingerprints and scuffing. See materials and finishes.

Most POS signs rely on store lighting. Where a display needs extra presence, there are lit options.

• Slimline LED lightboxes for counter and wall graphics with changeable inserts.
• Edge-lit acrylic for premium counter and display signs.
• Small LED strips behind headers and shelf edges, subject to power access in the fixture.
• Screens and digital displays are possible subject to technical assessment and confirmed availability.

Avoid glossy surfaces under spotlights, which cause reflection and make text unreadable from some angles.

• Choose POS signs for product and price messages inside the store.
• Choose window graphics to draw people in, and POS signs once they are inside.
• Choose floor graphics to lead people to a display; POS signs then explain what is on it.
• Choose mall wayfinding for navigation across a centre, not within one store.
• Choose pop-up signage when the store itself is temporary and POS must be light and portable.

• Viewing distance and size: as a rough guide, many designers allow around 25 mm of letter height per 10 m of viewing distance. A shelf strip is read at arm's length and needs far less; an overhead aisle sign needs more. We confirm on site.
• Contrast and glare: check under your actual store lighting.
• Fixing method: shelf edges, gondola ends, ceiling grids and counters all take different fixings. Ceiling-hung signs must suit the structure and must not interfere with sprinklers or lighting.
• Changeability: decide who updates the signs and how often.
• Durability: signs near trolleys, children and cleaning equipment need robust edges and fixings.
• Approvals: hanging signs and ceiling fixings may need landlord or centre consent, which we check during the survey.

• Quantity: longer runs reduce the unit price on repeat designs
• Material and thickness
• Printed versus cut or engraved
• Changeable versus fixed formats
• Lighting and power requirements
• Design time for new artwork or a full range
• Delivery and installation across several stores
• Packing and labelling by store, if required

Wipe acrylic and laminated surfaces with a soft, damp cloth and avoid solvent cleaners that can craze plastic. Replace changeable inserts when they fade or curl. Check ceiling-hung signs periodically for loose fixings. Keep a master file of every artwork so replacements match, and let us know about damaged fixtures before they become a safety problem. For larger sign care, see signage cleaning and maintenance.

We supply and install POS signs by appointment across Gauteng, working from our Rivonia base. Retail and commercial centres include:

• Sandton
• Johannesburg
• Pretoria
• Midrand
• Centurion
• Germiston