Signs of the Times - August 2012 - (Page 56)

A Commercial-Sign Industry Snapshot A trio of companies answer similar questions ast month (see page 50), we published interviews with electric-sign-company representatives as to what’s trending for them. This month, we present the same concept, except that we’ve spoken with commercial (non-electric) sign-company people. From a franchise with nearly 800 stores (Jim Tatem, Sign*A*Rama) to a vehicle-wrap specialist (Tommy Strader, 360 Wraps) to a product manufacturer that has evolved into a sign company as well (Casey Brookbush, Rainier Industries), we present interviews with quite a diverse group. L Jim Tatem • Sign*A*Rama • West Palm Beach, FL What applications for digital printing are currently trending as the most popular? We continue to see steady growth in banners, tradeshow displays and soft signage. We especially emphasize floor markings and wall graphics as well – from elevators to escalators, pillars and window wrapping. More of our stores are getting into artwork and photographic reproduction on canvas. Of course, the flatbed substrate is becoming more popular because it’s cost effective and labor efficient. What developments in ink formulations are having the most impact for your business? On the flatbed side, it’s UV ink, including the white option. Roll-to-roll in the solvent world includes white and metallic inks. Worldwide, our franchisees have broadly embraced latex inks. Aftermarket inks are also becoming more readily accepted as formulations improve and concerns about warranties dwindle. Latex ink’s superior efficiency lets us go from print to lamination immediately, experience better color, and get more involved in soft-signage sublimation. To what extent are “green” considerations impacting your business? Customer awareness has certainly heightened, and we’re seeing slight increases in the demand for green 56 SIGNS OF THE TIMES / AUGUST 2012 / www.signweb.com considerations. Corporate clients, among others, are requesting green products, or at least green options. Latex ink has helped us here tremendously with HP’s selection of recyclable materials. Many of our stores have individual initiatives and locally recycle their waste products. Unique to Sign*A*Rama, we’re partnering with our newest franchise, Super Green Solutions, and YESCO, to offer LED retrofits for our customers’ signage and interior/exterior lighting applications. Not all customers ask for it, but many of our stores do an excellent job of helping to create demand. What substrate developments are the most important to your business? The development of good ACM (aluminum composite material) products is particularly important for franchisees with flatbed printers where ink adhesion is imperative. We must always balance lower cost with quality products, and avoid knock-offs that may be warped or offer poor adhesion. Many of our stores are moving into ACM fabrication. From a film perspective, advances in product quality from Avery, Oracal and 3M, which provide both effective and repositionable film and high-end laminates, have been pivotal. With printability and predictable media, profit margins are increasing. How much does a Presidential election year boost your sales? Local elections certainly have more of an impact. Overall, growth has been positive the past few years, along with this year. Average store sales are up as http://www.signweb.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Signs of the Times - August 2012

Signs of the Times - August 2012
ST Update
Technology Update
Vinyl Apps
Strictly Electric
LED Update
Software Update
Technology Review
Technology Review
New Products
The Value of Signs
Casino and Gaming Signage
A Commercial-Sign Company Snapshot
Business is Blowing Up
Built to Last
Industry News
Advertising Index
Editorially Speaking

Signs of the Times - August 2012