When you’re setting up a café, it’s easy to focus on the big things — the coffee machine, the furniture, the lighting. But the small details often make the biggest difference to how customers experience your space. Signage is one of those details. From the street outside to the moment they head out the door, clear and considered signs help guide people through your café effortlessly.
Here’s our checklist of five signs every café should have.
1. Sidewalk Signs
Your sidewalk sign is your handshake with the street. It’s the first thing people see when they walk by, and it can be the reason they step inside rather than keep walking. Whether it’s an A-frame, a sandwich board, or a standing sign, the right business sign design helps people make the right judgment when they judge a book, or your store, by its cover.
2. Opening Hours Sign
Few things frustrate customers more than turning up to find a closed café with no clear hours on display. A simple, durable Opening Hours Sign on your window or door saves confusion and shows you’re thoughtful about your customers’ time. Keep it clean, easy to update, and placed right where people look.
3. Bathroom Signs
They might seem small, but bathroom signs are essential to a smooth café experience. Nobody likes asking staff where the bathrooms are — clear signage makes your café feel considered and customer-friendly. Go for one of George & Willy's minimal and intuitive bathroom sign designs that fit with the rest of your space, so even the smallest details feel intentional.
4. Wayfinding Signs
Once people step inside, wayfinding signs do the quiet work of guiding them where they need to go. Think a Standing Sign Holder showing where to queue for the counter, or a Circle Sign countertop "order here" option to safe confusion. It’s all about flow — the easier it is for people to find their way around, the more relaxed they’ll feel.
5. Open Sign / Closed Sign
The start and end of the day deserve their own ritual. An Open Sign / Closed Sign on the door makes things clear for customers, and there’s something satisfying about flipping it over when service starts or ends. It’s a small detail that keeps communication simple and adds a design touch to your entryway.
The right signs don’t just look good, they make your café easier to find, easier to navigate, and more welcoming from start to finish. From the sandwich board sign outside to the bathroom signs inside, each piece works together to guide the customer journey. Tick these five off your checklist, and you’ll have the essentials covered.
Common Retail Signage FAQ's:
What is retail or cafe signage?
Retail and cafe signage refers to any sign used in a shop or store to guide, inform, or attract customers. This can include wall signage, opening hours signs, sidewalk standing signs, or A-frame sandwich board signs. Good retail signage shares information, reflects the brand’s style and helps draw attention to your spot.
What is an example of signage?
An example of signage could be a wall-mounted lightbox sign above a shop entrance, a sandwich board on the footpath, or a set of directional signs inside a store. For retailers, even small details like an opening hours sign on the door count as signage.
What’s the difference between signs and signage?
A “sign” usually refers to one individual piece (like an A-Frame sign outside a café), while “signage” is a broader term that covers a whole system or collection of signs. For example, a store might have signage that includes a wall logo sign, directional signs inside, and a couple of tabletop signs at your counter. Consider George & Willy your ultimate signage company for complete signage solutions!
What are the three main categories of signage?
Signage is generally grouped into three main categories:
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Informational signage – communicates details like opening hours, pricing signs, or directions.
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Promotional signage – highlights offers or products.
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Wayfinding/branding signage – helps customers navigate a space while reinforcing a brand’s look and feel.
Why is signage important in retail?
Signage is often the first impression a customer gets of your store. It helps attract people from the street, and in retail, good signage not only improves the customer experience but also builds brand recognition and encourages sales. Check out our blog on how signage impacts foot traffic, and get in touch if you need help on how to make your brand stand out.
