It’s one thing to create eye-catching retail displays to be placed inside a store, but it’s another thing entirely when you’re in need of high-quality outdoor displays and fixtures. Indoor displays do have to take into consideration things like durability and finishes, but that becomes top priority when you know a display will be outside and exposed to the elements.
For example, a cardboard or untreated wood display might work great in the store, but would be rendered ineffective when exposed to sun and moisture. Not only does this reduce the ROI on your display or fixture, it can also cost you in terms of brand awareness and sales.
From function to finishes, construction to compliance, here’s what you should consider when creating your next outdoor retail display.
First and foremost, you have to define the function of your outdoor display, as that will dictate the materials, finishes, and design for the completed product. Will it be a sidewalk sign? Outdoor kiosk? Enclosed letter board? Will you need exterior lighting? A stacked display with a lock?
The demands of your outdoor application will inform the functionality of your display, though it’s important that your display also be versatile for use in as many environments as possible. The combination of functionality and versatility is the key to unlocking an outdoor fixture that demonstrates elevated ROI over time.
Of course, if the display is going outside, you have to make sure that all the components are able to handle anything Mother Nature can bring, whether it’s heat and sun, rain or storms, or cold and snow. It’s critical that the materials you use not only extend the life of your displays, but also maintain the high-quality look that they have before being exposed to the elements.
Steel is ideal for these applications because of its high ductility, which means it can be molded and formed into various shapes without snapping or losing strength. That same strength and durability helps prevent cracking, warping, splitting, or rotting, and steel can also be treated to prevent the corrosion and rust that can often occur when exposed to environmental elements.
Along with the display elements themselves, it’s also important to ensure you have ways to secure the display in its location, preventing movement or displacement during any extreme conditions.
The next step is to identify the right finish for your display, which will depend on the specific environment, what materials are used in construction, and the actual design itself. For outdoor displays, we recommend powder coating due to the fact that it’s both highly compatible with steel and also one of the most effective finishes to reinforce the strength and durability of your display.
What’s powder coating? It’s a dry finishing process that protects your display through the use of a combination or resins, adhesive agents, and other additives that are ground into powder and then applied with an electrostatic application. This ensures it sticks to your display, fortifies it for years to come, and creates a smooth visual appeal that won’t chip, flake, or peel even after outdoor wear and tear.
It’s important to note that there are different kinds of powder coatings, and there are also a variety of powder coatings designed specifically for outdoor use. For example, polyester powder coatings provide a basic finish that can last up to 18 months, even in harsh environments. Zinc powder coatings can also help enhance the durability and versatility of your outdoor display.
You also don’t have to sacrifice form for function, as powder coating is available in a variety of colors and patterns so you can create a custom display complete with the aesthetic of your unique branding.
To make sure you’re getting the highest return on your investment, outdoor displays need to be adaptable in more ways than one. Not only should you be able to reconfigure them as new products are put on display, but they should also offer mobility to be moved indoors due to sudden weather changes.
The best displays will allow you to showcase your products in a safe and effective manner — and maximize your ROI — no matter the season or reason. This necessitates a simplified set up, breakdown, or movement process that allows for configuration flexibility so your display can be used in a variety of locations.
Creating custom outdoor retail displays that can withstand the elements while also being manufactured for an advanced level of mobility and configuration flexibility requires a high degree of expertise. Our in-house metal fabrication services provide the tools and resources to fabricate custom stainless steel displays to your precise specifications quickly with an eye toward exceptional quality.
Plus, our planning and design, engineering and prototyping, and manufacturing teams have the skills and experience to produce retail fixtures that can handle the rigors of almost any outdoor applications. Browse some examples of our work or contact us today to get started on your next project.