EDITOR’S COLUMN

EDITOR’S COLUMN BY JEFF WOOTEN

I Can Get It for You Retail Checking out our retail round-up spotlight.

If you’re a sign shop that frequently uncertainty surrounding the virus over works with retail-oriented clients, then the coming months. the previous months have most likely We thought now would be an interestbeen like a rollercoaster ride for you. ing time to check out this market. On When the COVID-19 pandemic first page 24, you’ll find our Spotlight section, hit our shores earlier this year, the retail “Retail Round-Up,” which focuses on market pretty much shut down as stay-atsome of the latest projects, products, and home orders spread across the country. projections for retail signage amongst the

The thought of going out shopping at sign community. a brick-and-mortar practically shriveled This section starts out interviewing a up during the early days and weeks of the business that is combating COVID-19 pandemic, forcing many then-active sign through in-store poster and decal demakers catering to this sector to refocus signs and gives a good overview of how their efforts and output toward healththe pandemic is influencing layouts, mescare, emergency, and other deemed-essages, and opportunities. sential industries in an effort to make up This is followed by brief recaps of for any lost or reduced profits. some of the latest news and product an

Fortunately it appears that this market nouncements related to retail signage. At is making tracks upward again. According the end of each entry, you’ll find links to a press release from Analyticom (anadirecting you to more information on lyticom.com), their Money Anxiety Index, our Web site. (Note: Our focus on retail which measures the level of consumers’ doesn’t just stop there, as we also have anxieties based on actual financial behavan article on page 34, “Magnetizing Sign ior, actually decreased 10.9 index points Opportunities,” that checks out the pull in July to 108 from 119.6 in June, pushing behind the different styles of magnets for retail sales up 1.2 percent (slightly above point-of-purchase applications.) pre-pandemic levels actually). As retail continues to open back up to

And while retail is going to remain hotsome type of “normalcy” and sign makand-cold in terms of when and where ers and graphics providers figure out how consumers decide to spend dollars nowato sell back into these markets, we hope days, the sign market should be on a little this special spotlight section helps you firmer ground when it comes to working ring up even more business here. with these clients. Sale and promotional signage are intermixing with health and safety precautions, as retail businesses try to get back up to speed with their customers. And hopefully this sector will reJEFF WOOTEN main a little more stable despite the stillEditor, jwooten@sbpub.com

Photo: Indiesigns. Note: Due to COVID-19 concerns, all events listed below are subject to change. Please check each show’s Web site for any cancellations or reschedules.

OCTOBER 2020

OCTOBER 5-26: PRINTING United, the largest printing event in North America, has transitioned from an in-person event in Atlanta to a comprehensive digital platform. The show company has announced that it will be presenting four powerpacked weeks of hosted global programming and new product unveilings on its Web site. (printingunited.com)

NOVEMBER 2020

NOVEMBER 3-6: Engage – National Networking Conference, hosted by the Mid South Sign Association, will take place at the Hilton Knoxville, World’s Fair Park in Knoxville, Tennessee. (midsouthsign.org)

NOVEMBER 11-13: Digital Signage Expo 2020, the world’s only international event dedication to digital signage and interactive display solutions, has been rescheduled to now take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center-South Hall 3 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (digitalsignageexpo.net)

MARCH 2021

MARCH 23-25: LabelExpo/Brand Print Americas 2021 is now rescheduled to commence at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois . (brandprint-americas.com)

APRIL 2021

APRIL 7-9: ISA International Sign Expo makes its return and is scheduled to occur in Las Vegas, Nevada. (signexpo.org)