How Fabric Displays Transform Walls and Open Spaces in Retail Environments 

A retail wall can be more than just a backdrop. When used with the proper fabric display, it will tell a brand, guide a product section, or provide a powerful visual focal point without the need for cumbersome fixtures. Fabric graphics can be used to print images, brand colors, product pictures or just a simple message over large areas of a wall. The graphic will not only be replaceable like paint, but will retain its meaning if the campaign changes. For the retailers, another practical alternative is the framed fabric system, where the frame does not need to be removed during the change of printed fabrics. It allows for easier updates to wall areas, and enables stores to maintain consistent visual content with existing promotions, products and brand messaging.

How Fabric Displays Improve Open Retail Spaces

Open retail spaces can be clean and spacious or they may not have enough separation between various functions. Instead of building permanent structures, fabric displays can be used to mark off areas. A freestanding frame can define a product area, provide a background to a service point or delineate a temporary campaign from the sales floor.

A seg fabric frame can be helpful for this type of installation as the graphic is in a frame and not hanging as a loose banner. Retailers can opt for single or double-sided graphics and for various frame sizes to fit the space on the floor.

Fabric displays can be used for temporary displays too. For instance, a store might set up a special space for a seasonal item, a product launch or a promotion and then take the item down or move it to a different place.

When designing an open space, take into account:

• the space on the floor available;

• the way that customers move around the display;

• viewing distance;

• ease of access to nearby products and services;

• If the display should move later or not

How Fabric Displays Support Retail Brand Identity

Retail branding isn't about a logo on top of the door. There are numerous visual cues that customers experience when entering a store, such as the wall graphics, product signs, displays, packaging, fixtures and promotional messages. Fabric graphics can serve to guide these elements along a unified direction.

A huge print fabric wall can help spread the brand image over an area that is blank otherwise. Small framed displays in product areas, service counters or entrance areas can also be utilized in this manner. Graphic(s) that are consistent with brand colors, type, photography and messaging can help to create a consistent store appearance.

Fabric displays also have the advantage that it is easier to update the visual content without affecting the entire fabric. A retailer can use multiple campaigns throughout the year, and may leave the frame in place and change out the graphic as necessary. This can mean fewer new display devices required with each update.

It's also an important image selection. It may be suitable to have a high resolution product photo behind a featured product; a simple brand message may work better on an entrance wall. In large graphics, a lot of text can make it difficult to read at a distance.

A repeatable frame system can also be useful for multi-location retailers to ensure consistency across stores. The size and location are subject to variation as each location has unique walls and floor layouts, but the same graphic style can help achieve a recognizable brand presence.

One good way to do this is to establish these elements prior to production:

• Color, font, logo and image styles that are approved for use.

• Place: to increase brand awareness, product promotion, navigation or decoration.

• The distance customers will stand from the graphic, usually.

• Graphic size: The graphic has to fit the actual frame exactly.

• Determine frequency with which art work may change: Update plan.

With this planning, fabrics can be used more in the design of a retail shop and be more than just an advertising tool.

How Fabric Displays Support Product Presentation

When the customer can easily see what's important, product presentation is easier. Fabric displays can be used to produce a clean background behind shelves, counters, display cases or featured products. Retailers can avoid having a large wall blank by printing a product image, campaign message, product detail, or a basic graphic to complement the product in front of it.

Scale is important. A large graphic can be used behind a cluster of products, a smaller frame can be used for a single category or table. The content should also be in line with the distance of view. Customers may be several metres away reading text and simple images are easier to read.

Fabric displays can also be used to organize product areas. One of the graphic images might be behind running items and another behind outdoor gear for a sports retailer. This helps to identify each section without having to change the whole store fixtures.

How Fabric Displays Help Create Flexible Store Layouts

Retail store layouts frequently change. Products that come and go seasonally replace regular inventory, promotional spaces come and go and some stores require space for temporary events. These changes can be accommodated by a fabric display system as many frame systems are modular and can be configured in various sizes and configurations.

A freestanding fabric frame may be used to enclose a product area without the use of a permanent wall. It can also serve as a backdrop for a temporary campaign or a visual demarcation between two sections. Some systems can be relocated or reconstructed, instead of replaced entirely, when the layout changes.

It's a great feature for retailers who change out their merchandise multiple times throughout the year. While the fabric graphic is replaced with a different print for another campaign, the frame can stay as part of the store setup.

Before selecting a system, ensure that you consider the following:

• the amount of space available on the floor;

• frame dimensions;

• the ability to access around the display;

• graphic replacement options;

• storage requirements;

• installation method.

Good planning matters. Space in a display should be included to not obstruct the shopper, the product, doors and important signs.

How Fabric Displays Work With Retail Lighting

The look of a fabric graphic can vary depending on lighting. Printed fabrics will depend on surrounding light, and the display area should be situated to give the graphic enough light in order to see it clearly. If the parts of the image are too dark due to poor placement.

Backlit Fabric Systems are used to enable the graphic to be seen through the panel by using light behind the printed material. Often used in feature walls, retail signs and branded displays for stronger visual impact.

In considering the lighting plan, take into account the size of the graphic, the distance to be viewed, surrounding light sources, and whether or not the display is back-lit. If possible, test the final fabric in the actual store lighting. This aids in identifying any brightness, shadows, reflections or colour problems before the display is put in place.