The run-up to Christmas is the busiest trading period of the year for most shops. Clear signs help customers find what they want, pay quickly and leave happy, and they protect your stock and your staff. This guide covers the signs a retail shop needs, from the front window to the back room.
1. Front window and entry
- Opening hours sign with your hours. During December, add a Christmas trading hours sign. See our opening hours signs guide.
- Cash and card accepted or Card only so nobody gets caught out at the counter.
- No dogs allowed, guide dogs excepted or No pets except service animals.
- No food or drink for clothing, book and homewares stores.
2. Christmas promotion signs
- Christmas sale sign with your discount
- Shop local this Christmas
- Last day for Christmas delivery with your date
More ideas are in our Christmas signs ideas guide.
3. Shop floor and counter
- Please ask staff for assistance
- Please press button for service
- Returns area
- Caution wet floor for mopping and rainy days. See our slip and wet floor signs guide.
Also handy at the counter: Please ring bell if unattended.
4. Security and loss prevention
Visible signs tell would-be shoplifters that the store is watched.
- Shoplifters will be prosecuted
- Smile, you are on CCTV or These premises are under 24 hour CCTV
- This door is alarmed for side and rear doors
Our CCTV signs guide explains where to place them. Check your state's privacy and surveillance rules for what your signs need to say.
5. Staff-only areas
- Staff only for stockroom and office doors
- Restricted area, staff only beyond this point
- Toilets for customers only. See our toilet signs guide.
6. Car park and deliveries
- Customer parking only or Customer parking only with your logo
- Customer parking only, 1 hour limit
- Loading zone for the rear dock. See our loading dock signs guide.
- Shopping trolley return
7. Safety basics
Keep fire exits clear and marked with a Fire exit door, keep clear at all times sign, and show where the extinguisher and first aid kit are. See our fire extinguisher signs guide and first aid signs guide. Your building manager or fire safety adviser can tell you exactly what your premises needs.
Material tips
Vinyl stickers suit glass doors and windows. ACP looks smart on walls behind the counter. Aluminium is the best choice for the car park. Corflute is ideal for short sales. Read how to choose the right sign material for more.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I add my shop logo?
Yes. Our add your logo signs and custom signs carry your branding.
I have several stores. Is there a bulk discount?
Yes. Order 25 or more of the same sign variant for 5% off, 50 or more for 10% off and 150 or more for 15% off. Shipping is free on orders over $500.
Will my signs arrive before Christmas?
Every sign is made to order. Order by Wednesday 16 December (NSW, VIC, QLD, SA) or Wednesday 9 December (WA, NT) for delivery before Christmas. Every sign is 30% off until 31 December.
Browse the full range in signs for retail stores and security signs.
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Looking for something else? Browse every guide in our Sign Guide Library.