For independent retailers, the entrance is the first sales pitch. Potential customers notice the frontage before they see the menu, price tags or window displays. The design of a shop front canopy can make that all-important first impression. A well-designed canopy can also provide a professional appearance and solve problems related to fading stock due to sunlight, glare, and rain.
More Than Just Shade
A canopy is year-round accessory. During the summer it shades windows and passengers from the sun. During the winter it offers a covered place for customers to pause, read a sign and wait for a friend. A canopy is a great investment all year round.
That small area of shelter can fundamentally change how potential customers behave. Shoppers who may have rushed past in a drizzle are now more likely to browse if they can do so comfortably. And with more potential customers walking through the door, you can bet sales will go up.
Fixed or Retractable?
The first choice is whether the canopy should stay in position or fold away. A permanent fixed canopy provides cover at all times. This type of canopy is often installed on business premises that require cover and branding on a daily basis due to inclement weather.
Retractable canopies provide a good balance between protecting customers from the elements while still letting natural light in. The canopies can be extended when the sun is strong or when it’s raining and rolled away when it’s dull outside. Some canopies can be automated, making them a good choice when staff is busy or when the canopy is far above the pavement.
Make It Work for Your Brand
Because it is large and visible, a canopy is a great way to show your business name and logo to the public. Fabric that is sign-written or printed is easier for customers to identify from a distance. Color choices should be made to suit your sign, uniforms, and packaging.
Lighting is worth thinking about, too. Subtle lights beneath the canopy can illuminate the entrance and window after dark, which is valuable in the winter months when people do the majority of their shopping then.
Choosing Materials and Construction
Since a canopy is outside, it has to be tough. Look for canopies made from water-resistant, colour-fast materials and sturdy frames. Aluminum is common in canopies, because it is a lightweight metal that will not rust. Look for an Aluminum canopy with steel legs. The legs hold the frame together and need to be made of a tougher material. The leg/frame joints need to have bolts or rivets to hold everything together.
Check how the canopy will be fixed to your building. The wall has to be able to take the load. An appropriately fitted canopy ensures the safety of the users below it.
Think About the Practicalities
Before making any changes, review the following points:
- The width of your frontage, and how far the canopy should project.
- How high above the sidewalk to keep pedestrians clear
- If you rent your property and require landlord permission.
- Whether the structure is listed or is in a conservation area
- How the canopy will look with other shops
Projecting over a public pavement can involve rules of the local authority, so it is good practice to check these at the outset. A specialist supplier will usually be aware of local conditions and be able to advise you on these.
Keeping It Looking Smart
A worn out canopy can take away from the look of an otherwise appealing store, so simple upkeep is important. Brushing dust and leaves away will help it look nicer, and washing the canopy in mild soap and water will help remove dirt. Make sure it is dry before closing the canopy to avoid mildew.
Periodically inspect the frame, fixings and any motor, and if the wind is strong enough to retract the canopy, do so. Small repairs done early are far less costly than replacing a damaged canopy.
A Practical Investment
A canopy can do a lot for not very much compared to a full shopfront refit. Added comfort and stock protection aren’t the only benefits. A canopy, like a sign, has the potential to strengthen branding and work for you 24/7, even when the shop is closed.
Take your time to pick the right choice. Make sure you see completed examples of their work. Then think about how it will look from across the street. The right choice will ensure your premises are easier to locate, and more inviting. It will prepare your premises for all kinds of weather.