Serigraph's creative in store signage has received graphics excellence awards for outstanding achievement in five categories - Special Innovation, Point-of-Purchase Materials, Specialty Inks or Coatings, Other Specialty Finishing Techniques and Posters in the 2012 Graphics Excellence Awards, a tri-state regional print competition hosted by the Great Lakes Graphics Association.
The Graphics Excellence Awards recognize commercial printers who are leading the industry in both existing and emerging print technologies. Competing against more than 1,000 entries, Serigraph won five Best of Category Awards. Entries were judged on a number of criteria including registration, crossovers, clarity and neatness, sharpness of halftones and line drawings, richness and tonal qualities of color, material and ink selection, ink coverage, difficulty of printing, effective contrast or softness, finishing and overall visual impact.
The Special Innovation award recognizes in store signage and promotional materials that were produced using a new, expanded, unique or innovative mix of existing technologies. Serigraph’s winning entry was produced using Serigraph’s patented Promotion™ process. This process draws attention by allowing selected areas of a graphic to be viewed as three-dimensional or floating. Through the use of a printed optical lens, added dimension and depth is achieved through a magnified branded logo in the background. This poster also received a Best of Category Award in the Point-of-Purchase Materials category.
In the Other Specialty Finishing Techniques category, Serigraph’s winning entry utilized its patented Micromotion process. Seen as snowflakes on the case card, Serigraph’s Micromotion process drew eyes through the use of differing line widths and angles. Micromotion simulates micro embossing, giving the case card a depth of texture surrounding the wine bottles. As the consumer changes viewing angles, reflected light from the texture and chrome material creates the illusion of motion, drawing attention to the product.
Serigraph’s awards in the Specialty Inks or Coatings and Posters categories recognized two posters utilizing the same artwork but produced using two different background finishes. Serigraph’s proprietary Reflex and Liquid Ink technologies enhanced both posters. Reflex enhanced the graphics with definition, contrast and an illusion of depth through texture while Liquid Ink draws eyes to the wet look on the bottles.
Download our free tip sheets below for some examples of how other customers have incorporated our innovative technologies.
Effective in store merchandising and point of purchase strategies are crucial as consumers have become increasingly brand loyal, tending to shop where they can be assured of finding their favorite brands. In order to make a connection with consumers and drive both “impulse” and “reminder” sales, brands and retailers must create new and innovative point of purchase to grab attention.
At Serigraph, we are experts at creating 3D point of purchase that increases sales in-store. Through vacuum formed POP and innovative print technologies, consumers are attracted to the depth, definition and contrast of copy. Our forming technologies create POP from a subtle emboss and simple curves to a deep draw and back lighting. The depth gives the graphics more life and added value.
Forming printed plastic requires certain tools and equipment using experienced professionals. To that end, we have been providing vacuum formed POP to Latin America and the United States for 45 years.
- Vacuum Forming complements other Serigraph proprietary technologies
- Add dimension with the high detail of lithography.
- We have developed a technology to form UV offset printed inks without cracking to give your formed graphics superior resolution and detail.
- Standard offset and foil prints available to .625” draw
- Screen printed parts are available to 6” draw
- Formable materials include: Styrene, PVC, PETG, Polyester, Polycarbonate and Chrome Laminates.
- Forming tools made in-house, turning complicated parts around in half to time of other shops.
- Prototypes available
- Works for a number of diverse products
- Large Format Posters
- Cooler Clings
- Headers
- Aisle Violators
- Wobblers/Danglers
- Shelf Talkers/Strips
- Register Toppers
- Product Signage
- Drive-Thru Signs
- Standees
Between our vacuum forming technologies, structural design and 3D displays, we create dimensional POP to differentiate your brand and increase lift at retail. Whether you have artwork already developed or are looking for ideas, our graphic designers will work with you to find the right technology for added dimension.
Download our free tip sheets below for some examples of how other customers have incorporated our innovative technologies.
Putting together a point of purchase promotional kit can be exceptionally difficult when you have hundreds or thousands of locations to implement. Over the last 40 years, Serigraph has worked with many fortune 500 companies and we have learned a thing or two about what it takes to have a successful promotional rollout. I have chosen 5 lessons to help others better organize their promotions in the future.
5. Avoid unnecessary touches.
By limiting the number of times that you move product from one location to another you will limit the number of chances for it to be lost or damaged. At Serigraph we have a number of printing services like large format offset, digital printing and screen printing. We also offer kit pack and fulfillment services to ensure a smooth promotion from beginning to end. Many companies use a number of printers and then have them bulk pack the finished product and send it on to another location to do the kit pack and fulfillment tasks. The extra movement of product is another opportunity for damages or lost items not to mention the extra time and cost of the move. Analyze your supply chain and look for ways to utilize them in a more efficient way.
4. Know your locations.
You can limit waste by understanding the unique layouts of each location. If you don't know the layouts I will guarantee that you are sending elements to locations that cannot use them. A good example of this is mall stores or airport locations. These are typically smaller locations and do not often have windows, so sending a window cling or even a door cling would be a waste of product. Serigraph offers its customers a web based software solution that allows you to define layouts of each and every store, so that you never send more or less than what is required.
3. Shop your shipping rates.
Choosing an east coast or a west coast location to ship from will cost you thousands of dollars more annually. Use a shipping source that is centrally located.
2. Use innovative designs and technology.
The end result of any point of purchase promotion should be to gain uplift in sales. If you are not experiencing the results you are looking for perhaps you should add some new print technologies to the promotion. Innovative displays, floor graphics and 3D designs can all help draw a crowd to the location you want them to be in.
1. Use up to date computer technology.
Microsoft excel is a wonderful tool, but it has its limits. Look at how you communicate with your supply chain. If you are designing spreadsheets and emailing to a distribution list, then you probably have far more expense than if you purchased software that allows you to communicate information effectively.
Serigraph is just one of many great companies out there that offer solutions that can save you time and money. Do your homework and you should be able to increase productivity and reduce cost all at the same time. For more information, download our tip sheet or whitepaper below.
GlobalShop (February 29 - March 2 at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas) will help retailers and CPG companies discover real-world practical solutions to enhance the retail experience and connect with the changing shopper. Serigraph will be on hand at Globalshop booth 1622 to show off creative eye-catching graphics and retail signage that delivers increased sell-through at retail. Our innovative technologies offer looks that captivate shoppers and enhance the brand experience.
To see our innovative products and eye-catching one of kind technologies, please visit us at booth 1622. Inside our booth you’ll see creative in store signage, retail displays and point of purchase that have made an impact on in-store sales for our customers.
- Specifically see what an impact our Micromotion, Liquid Ink and Reflex technologies have when combined together to draw eyes to a specific product display.
- Check out how our Aveta™ technology dramatically enhances the visual impact of graphics at retail.
- View other innovative 3D point of purchase created with our in-house print and forming technologies.
- Talk to us about how we make the POP promotion process more efficient through our on-line ordering, fulfillment and inventory management services.
GlobalShop is the world’s largest annual tradeshow and conference dedicated to store design, visual merchandising, and shopper marketing. It is the only place where retailers and brand marketers can visit over 600 suppliers in one location. The GlobalShop show floor is conveniently divided into six sections of the retail design industry: The Store Fixturing Show, The Visual Merchandising Show, Store Design & Operations, The Digital Store, At-Retail Marketplace, and Retail Marketing Services.
Need a pass into the show? Click here for a FREE Expo Pass. Passcode: 152278
Unable to attend the show? Download our FREE Innovation Ideas or POP Tip sheet to learn how to enhance your current POP.
Have you ever sat down and looked at all of the costs that go into putting together a point of purchase promotional kit? Most people look at the obvious things, but fail to look at the total cost. Understanding these costs will help you make better buying decisions and save you money.
Here is a list of things to think about when considering total cost of your point of purchase kit.
- Over producing – it is sort of a rule that companies over produce to compensate for damages either in shipment or after the item is in store.
- Now that you have over produced you will pay a storage fee for the overs. Your inventory will most likely be held at least 6 months at which time it will be dumped and you will be charged a dumping fee. Fees vary from place to place so be sure you are aware of what they are.
- Shipping fees – this is where you may be spending a ton. Parts that are in the final box that is shipped may have come from 2, 3 or more vendors, each of those vendors charge shipping and potentially a handling fee to get it to the fulfillment and distribution point.
- The final assembly point will charge you either a kit fee, or a picking charge for each SKU in the box, plus a box fee.
- Shipment to the final location - box size, box weight and speed of delivery all play a major role in what your final cost will be.
- Larger items that cannot be rolled up, or folded will cost you extra in shipping.
- Your staff time - before and after a promotion your staff can spend hours on the phone, answering emails and following up on issues.
For a more information on streamlining the POP promotional process, please download our whitepaper.
To learn what savings your company can enjoy, please sign up for our free and easy process analysis.
Where will the QSR or Fast Casual industry be one year from now?
That’s not the easiest question to answer, especially given the flux of our economy in the last few years. With 2012 in full swing, businesses are evaluating the effectiveness last year’s marketing agendas and planning new products and services that will attract and retain customers.
QSR magazine has a great article highlighting the top seven QSR trends for 2012. Their list includes creating double-sided menus, premium item spending, embracing new family definitions, emphasis on clean, organic and hand made products, bargain hunting and on-line ordering.
The overall message is that QSR and Fast Casual concepts will be adapting to an environment of segmented individuals. While to concept of marketing different products to different segments is not a new concept, creating products and services to meet almost all segments is. In the last few years, QSR’s have focused the majority of their efforts on creating value through lower prices to their customers. Hence the creation and evolution of dollar menus.
Going forward, restaurant chains will need to meet the needs of the price conscious, the health driven, and those individuals that are looking for indulgence in their life. In order to do so, chains will need to not only create new products but also market them in different ways. At the store level, chains will need to display point of purchase marketing all different audiences in a clean, clear and concise manner.
Not only will QSR and Fast Casual chains need to address the evolutionary change in audience needs and learn to market in a different way, they will also need to figure out how to comply with new federal labeling regulations. It is expected that in 2012, Fast Casual and QSR chains with more than 20 outlets will need to follow guidelines put in place by the FDA for transparency of nutrition. Menu boards, drive thru elements and hand held menus will need to be updated with nutritional information.
With all of these elements of change in the air, how does a chain implement new promotions in an efficient and effective manner? Chains already have their hands full juggling new stores, new products, and new marketing efforts with a reduced staff. Moving forward, chains will need to find ways to make the POP Promotion process more efficient. They will be leaning on suppliers like Serigraph to ensure all point of purchase meets their needs and gets to the right stores, at the right time, in the right condition, on time, every time. These chains will need an experienced, proven point-of-purchase company to easily guide them through the process while showing ways to improve their bottom line.
To learn how to seamlessly move through the POP Promotion process, click the free tip sheet below.
Need proof that it works? Download our free case study.
Proper online order management is one, if not THE most important components for success in business today. Your software needs to be well written and adaptable to changing business needs. Just as important is how well your point of purchase print supplier manages this data. One point of purchase order for printed materials can have thousands of drop ships and hundreds of combinations, so you better have a someone who knows how to effectively take and deliver your order.
I am a software architect at Serigraph and most of my time is developing new faster ways to do the following:
1. Take orders - web based mostly - There seem to be as many ways to take orders as there are grains of sand on the beach. Every business is different and has its own ideas on what is important, so it is important for the software to be very easily adaptable to the rules of businesses. It must be easy to use, fast, and contain the data that will help the business in analysis phase.
2. Organize orders - you need this in an order system to be efficient - organizing can be by location by configuration or by customer ( lots more as well, but these seem to be the most common).
3. Change management – the most efficient order taking system can be a real dog if you do not give your customers the opportunity to make changes or delete orders entirely.
4. Billing - taking orders is great but if you don't have an efficient way of interfacing your orders with your company billing system you will quickly anger the gods.
5. Analyze Orders - having the ability to take snapshots of orders and make decisions is a vital part of an system, without it you will be guessing ( and probably wrongly so )
I remember 20 years ago when a good friend of mine said: "Our ordering system now does everything we need" I laughed at him... we have been adding and enhancing the process every year since then, and I do not see an end in sight because business and technology are always changing.
Learn how Serigraph's ordering system helped save one of its customers big bucks by clicking the download button below. Also if you would like more tips to increase the effectiveness of your promotions, sign up for our email subscription.
Do consumers notice your products' in store signage as they walk down the aisle? Many companies advertise products and services at eye level in prime locations in-store. This placement is expensive so in order to fit within budget parameters, companies skimp on creating truly eye catching in store signage.
What our customers have realized is that in order to draw eyes to products in-store, they need to create unique in store signage that moves. You don’t need expensive electronic lighting or even 3 dimensional lenticular sheets to get movement. We do it solely with our printing technology. Through Serigraph’s patented Promotion™ technology, consumers focus on a product through 3D depth or floating effects behind it. Using Promotion™ technology, your background graphics will move differently from the primary product image. People see this and laser right in to see what is going on.
Through the use of optical lenses, a pattern is magnified in the background enhancing the primary graphic thereby drawing attention to your product. Our Promotion™ technology is similar to Lenticular, but can be done selectively. Hundreds of background images can be made to move including circles, hexagons, stars, letters and some logos. Use our Promotion™ technology for in store signage, transit advertising, shelf talkers, aisle violators, product packaging, promotional give-aways, displays and even credit or gift cards.
If you want your product to appear ¾ of an inch above the background and move across the entire area at the lowest cost possible then call Serigraph at 1-800-262-7200. For more creative in store signage ideas, click the link below to download our POP tip sheet.
With the end of the year upon us, it is time to take stock in what we have, what we’ve accomplished and what we hope for the New Year. At Serigraph, we are thrilled to have developed and produced thousands of creative point of purchase products to the retail and QSR markets this year.
To celebrate our creative accomplishments, we offer our own tongue-in-cheek version of the twelve days of Christmas. This ‘Twelve days of POP’ is an ode to many of the creative point of purchase products we have delivered this year.
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Now that you have an idea as to some of the types of Point of purchase we can produce, check out how we make each piece stand out in-store. Whether we use Micromotion with its eye-catching flash, Reflex with its draw through texture, Liquid Ink with its wet look, or any of our other innovative print techniques, our creative point of purchase technologies have what it takes to move the needle in-store.
With Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day on the horizon, do you feel comfortable that your POP has what it takes to draw eyes to your products and increase sales? If not, it is not too late to engage us. Our dedicated creative department is skilled in marrying your artwork with the most eye-catching print technologies in the industry. For a tip sheet on developing creative point of purchase, click the link below.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you from Serigraph. May your season be bright and your promotions in the New Year exceed your expectations!
Most everyone has experienced it in one way or another; it’s called "The Promotion from Hell". In this promotion nothing goes right. You start out with an idea of wobblers and danglers and you end up with floor graphics and shelf talkers. Each time a new change happens you are losing time, but the one thing that never changes is:
"THE DUE DATE"
There are so many groups that work in concert on promotions for point of purchase that there are bound to be a few headaches that occur along the way. So what can you do to lessen the impact when the inevitable "Promotion from Hell" arrives? When you have a headache the prescribed way to deal with it is to "take two aspirin". With a point of purchase promotion the prescription is to "Insert time here". That is where partnering with the right vendors can make all the difference in the world. Whether it an agency or a creative display vendor or your print and fulfillment partner you want someone who is going to help you manage the change and give you back time that you need to finish the job.
At Serigraph we understand. As a partner we work to provide solutions that make sense and can in most cases give you the additional days you need to finish the job.
Serigraph provides creative design, print and fulfillment along with automated systems all designed with ability to create time for you when you need it. If you are looking to partner with someone who can ease the pain of your next headache please contact us. Download our case study to see how we'd partnered with other companies.
Please post you worse headache and vote for the "best worse headache" by clicking the like button.