5 Most Popular Grand Opening Signs

1. Vinyl Banner

Vinyl banners are great for outdoor advertising because they are made of a weather-resistant, highly durable synthetic material. You can also choose to print on thicker, more heavy-duty vinyl to ensure your sign withstands harsh weather and longer display.

A mesh vinyl banner is another great option for long-term outdoor display or if extra durability is required. It has small perforations that allow wind to pass through, preventing your sign from tearing or flapping in harsh weather.

Whether you choose solid vinyl or a mesh one, it's important to invest in high-quality and durable banners because they reflect your brand and its perceived value. According to a 2022 Nielsen report, around 68% of shoppers looked at a store's exterior, including its signs, to assess its quality.

Vinyl Banners are Best for: High-traffic areas, such as busy intersections, highways, building entrances, and shopping centers

Vinyl Banner Placement and Installation Tips
There are two popular ways to install vinyl banners: pole pockets, which are sleeves sewn onto the edges of banners for poles to slide through, and grommets or metal rings punched into the corners.

The ideal installation method depends on how you want to display them. As a general rule, pole pockets are ideal for long-term displays, while grommets are suitable for outdoor use in windy conditions and temporary displays.

Vinyl Banner Design Tips
Since grand opening signs are designed to catch attention from a distance, design them using clean, simple fonts and high-contrast colors (e.g., black text on a white background). Minimize text and focus on a single, concise message that people can understand at a glance.

2. Feather Flags

Feather flags, also called swooper flags, have an eye-catching shape and a festive vibe. They are popular grand opening signs for restaurants, supermarkets, car dealerships, and travel and hospitality businesses.

These flags typically use a weather-resistant, stretchable, lightweight polyester fabric, and an aluminum pole designed to withstand repeated use.

At eSigns, we have feather flags sizes available: 10.5 ft., 14 ft., and 16 ft.

Feather Flags are Best for: Storefronts, building entrances, and high-traffic locations

Feather Flag Placement and Installation Tips
You can install feather flags using a ground spike, a cross base, or a square base, depending on your location.

Choose a ground spike for soft surfaces like sand or grass or go for a square base or a cross base for flat concrete surfaces. If you’re installing them in windy locations, use a water-weight bag that slides into the base of the flagpole for extra support and stability.

Feather Flag Design Tip
Print designs on both sides of your feather flag to maximize impact and visibility from different directions.

3. Yard Signs

According to Nielsen, outdoor advertising is the most effective non-digital medium for driving online activity, thereby promoting engagement, purchases, and brand loyalty. This is where yard signs come in.

Yard signs are excellent promotional tools for local businesses because they provide high visibility when installed in specific neighborhoods and are more affordable than many traditional advertising methods.

These outdoor signs are typically made of 4 mm coroplast, which is a lightweight yet durable material. They are available in various standard sizes, with 20" x 24” and 15.75" x 24” being the most popular options for grand opening signs. With strategic placement, yard signs offer repeated exposure and build familiarity and trust with local customers.

Yard Signs are Best for: Lawns, busy roads, and sandy locations

Yard Signs Placement and Installation Tips
For long-term display and windy locations, order yard signs with heavy-duty wire stakes to keep them stable in harsh weather conditions.

Yard Signs Design Tips
Minimize the amount text and focus on a single clear message. For example, you can write "You're Invited to Our Grand Opening" and add the date and venue of the event at the bottom.

You can also include a QR code linked directly to your website or social media so that customers can read more information about your event.

4. A-Frame Signs

A-frame signs are a must-have promotional tool for many businesses because they are cost-effective, versatile, portable, and reusable.

You can order multiple graphic inserts to update the message without buying a new A-frame sign. After your grand opening event, you can use them to display seasonal products and bestsellers, or you can use them to guide customers and guests within your retail space.

A-Frame Signs are Best for: High foot traffic and paved surfaces where they can be placed directly in the pedestrian line of sight

A-Frame Signs Placement and Installation Tips
Place your A-frame signs in a spot where passersby can see them as they approach your store’s entrance. It’s ideal that there are no obstructions, such as trees, street poles, or parked cars around your sign. The beauty of using an A-Frame sign is that you can move it easily.

A-Frame Sign Design Tips
Limit text to just a few impactful words, and include a call-to-action to guide viewers on what to do next. Phrases like "Open Now," "Shop Here", or "Get Free Samples Here" are some common CTAs used for grand opening signs.

5. Step-and-Repeat Signs

A step-and-repeat banner is a backdrop with a repeating pattern of logos or images, providing a professional photo opportunity during grand opening events.

This custom promotional sign is typically made of vinyl or fabric. Vinyl is an excellent choice for outdoor use or when extra durability is needed, while polyester fabric is ideal for indoor settings or to reduce photo glare, thanks to its matte finish.

Step and Repeat Banners are Best for: A photo backdrop near the entrance or at a designated photo corner

Step and Repeat Banner Placement and Installation Tips
Place your step and repeat banner 6 to 8 ft. from the primary photo area to allow photographers to capture full-body shots. It is generally recommended to use banners that are at least 8 to 10 ft. tall to make it possible to take photos that include the entire body in a frame.

Step and Repeat Banner Design Tips
Aim for a balance between logos and negative space for a clean look. One popular guideline is to leave 6" to 8" of space between logos.

Also, select a background and logo color combination that creates a high contrast so the logos are easily visible.