Indoor Signage to Snag Sales

Okay, so you’ve got potential customers in your door. Now what? Where would you like them to go and what do you want them to purchase in particular?

Direct buyers to your sale or featured product racks with an attractive Acrylic Sign Holder with Chrome Base placed on top of your display shelf or rack shelf. A satisfied customer says it is “even better than pictured.” You can choose Printable Fluorescent Card Signs to print your own signs on your printer and place in the sign holder. These cards come in rainbow packs with 25 sheets each of red, yellow, green and magenta that really pop! As endearing as the home made sign created by your 9 year old daughter may be, you’ll want to make sure your sign conveys a professional look so printing them on your personal printer is a good idea. Remember to use a large font and keep the wording to a minimum to attract and keep your customer’s attention. If you don’t have a printer you can always take your computer file to a print shop. Or you can choose from a variety of eye-catching preprinted signs such as a “Sale” sign in brilliant red with white print.

The Freestanding Sign Holder is another good way to convey your store’s news to your customers. At 22”x28” and 56 ½” tall and chrome plated, it is sure to garner some attention. Pop in a Custom Sign in attractive, contrasting colors which not only communicate your message but your choice of colors and artwork will convey the tone of your store. Or choose a preprinted “Sale” or “Clearance” 22″x28″ sign if that’s all you need to say.

Creative placement of this sign holder can draw people into your store, relate sale information while they are shopping or let them know about up-coming in-store promotions or contests while they are waiting in line. Make sure the sign does not block displays, traffic flow or the interior view of your store if placed in a window or door. Take a look at your store with fresh eyes to see what your customers see. Is the sign informative but to the point? If placed in the window, can you see the sign with sunlight reflecting off the window? Get creative! Hang signs from the ceiling with a Chain Kit. Having a huge sale? Use a Blow-Out or Sale Sign Kit that includes 22 different pieces in bright red/yellow. Use your imagination and you’ll see that quality signage and proper placement can make a big impact on your sales. Have fun and happy selling!

Snappy Signage = Interested Customers

So, you need some snappy signage but lack the time or handiness to whip them up on your own. Let us create the signs and banners for you!

Custom banners numbers 9031, 4500, 4503 and 4504 come in a variety of sizes and colors and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Simply fax or email us your layout and our art department will create a professionally finished sign or banner. Pre-printed “Sale” signs are also a fantastic way to gain attention. I personally know several people who, due to the current economic climate, hesitate to shop unless they know the items of interest are on sale. That’s where our eye-catching red and yellow signs come in! Hang signs with this bold color combination in your window to announce your “Sale” or “50% off” with Vertical Window Sale Signs. A customer states, “Great, large, eye-catching signs. Easy to mount with the suction cups, looks great in my store windows.” These 24”W x 48”H signs with bright color contrast are sure to grab the attention of drivers and strollers alike.

If your style is more understated yet spirited then you may want to consider our elegant Fabric “Sale” Banner. The heavy cotton duck fabric is dyed a rich red color and has “Sale” printed on it in bright white letters in a bold font. A happy customer says, “It looks VERY polished and blends well with our environment.” Hemmed pockets on the top and bottom of the banner make it a breeze to hang on Banner Stand. The same customer raves, “I originally purchased this stand to show a sale sign. But when the sign arrived, I loved it so much I’m going to use it to communicate other big events in the boutique.” Check out the customer photo to see how she made this beautiful sign pop and complement her storefront.

Catch my next blog when we explore sign placement and the effectiveness of indoor signage!

3 Second Marketing: Sidewalk Signs

Quick, read fast! You have about 3 seconds to capture a potential customer’s attention as they walk or drive by your store! How are you going to get their attention? Well, an eye-catching sign on the sidewalk or in the window is a great start.

A sidewalk sign needs to be big enough to get the attention of drivers but also concise enough for them to read as they are whizzing by. As our teachers told us in school, keep it simple. Just give enough information to make customers eager to enter your store and you can provide the details once they are inside. The XL Springer Sidewalk Sign is a good option to attract the attention of potential customers. It is large enough to announce “Sale” or “Special” with 10” high headers but compact enough that it will not cause sidewalk gridlock. The XL Springer Sidewalk Sign also includes 289 large 5” letters, numbers and symbols so you can change your sign daily. The strong contrast of the black/red letters and white board makes the sign very easy to read.

If you are feeling creative and would like to announce your information in freehand style then the Double-Sided Write on/Wipe Off Sidewalk sign may be the one for you. It’s great for indoor/outdoor use and is foldable for easy portability and storage. If you are fortunate enough to have someone in your employ with beautiful handwriting and an artistic flair then creating an original, changeable sign can be a creative way to draw attention. Remember to keep your color scheme simple and not to add too many distracting artistic details; you want to get your customers’ attention, not lose it by making the sign too busy to read in just a few seconds. Also keep in mind that the sign does still need to be attractive and be more than just simply legible. I, myself, have the writing and artistic talent of an over-caffeinated 5 year old so a custom banner or pre-printed sign would be my best option.

Don’t miss the next blog when I expound on the benefits of custom and pre-printed banners for those of us artistically challenged.

Decorate your site with exclusive furnishing accessories


You can add an element of beauty, style, and grace to public gardens, parks, backyards, schools, pavements etc, by breathing unique designs into their outside furniture. But where would you find fascinating site furnishings that give these places a contemporary look and feel that eventually help in drawing visitors to the sites in multitudes? Not to worry. You can get all this and many more at Specialty Store Services — Your one-stop shop for all kinds of retail needs that also promises to cater to some of the best site furnishings at the most competitive prices.

You can find a huge collection of accessories in our store like tables, benches, ashtrays and trash receptacles available in beautiful colors and designs. The tables come in caf styles with an ornamental hoop and spiral design. They are fully assembled with pre-drilled mounting holes in feet that prevent the tables from toppling over by transfixing them into the ground. The steel benches on the other hand are truly adorable with ergonomically curved arms and legs, that really make for a comfortable sitting. Another variety is the custom steel bench from the coveted Broadway Street Signature Series which has an oak plaque inserted in the back engraved with any message the customer would like to display. We also have some of the backless varieties which are otherwise similar to normal ones except for the back rest. Not to forget, in this category we also have the hammertone shoe bench with mirror which has a unique eye catching design with a perforated seat. The two mirrors on both sides is a rare feature and the hammertone metal finish gives it a long-lasting durability.

Apart from this, we also stock up on some of the most unique ash trays which belong to the cease fire variety. They keep your properties clean by preventing the supply of oxygen which helps extinguish cigarettes. Furthermore, they are constructed with fire resistant polyethylene, that will never rust, dent or crack. The galvanized steel liner pail also facilitates easy and quick disposal. Another type we have is the elite smokers ceasefire cigarette receptacle that has a classy, sophisticated and upmarket look which is suited for business requirements. The USP of this product is the FM Global approval and ADA compliance. Next comes the Wall Mount Sand Top Ashtrays. Unlike the ceasefire types, which can be used only for outdoor purposes, the wall mount ashtrays are ideal for both indoor and outdoor uses. Made of rust-proof aluminum, they are easy to clean and service.

Garbage disposal has never been so quick and easy before. But now with trash receptacles, it is an absolute cakewalk. You can check out the myriad varieties we have like 36 Gallon Garbage Can, 48 Gallon Round Metal Garbage Can, 36 Gallon Garbage Can with Rain Guard ……the list is endless. Some other types that adorn our stock consist of garbage cans with ashtrays. It is a one of its kind product, which serves dual purposes. With an all-steel heavy duty construction, they are fully assembled and have durable powder coat finish.

The above mentioned products, however, are only a handful of them. You can of course visit our website for more on site furnishing accessories.

Protect your items with shrinkwrap coverings


Have you ever tried out shrink wrap covering? It is perhaps one of the most commonly used items for encasing products spread across multifarious industries.

Also known as ‘shrink film’, it is made up of polymer plastic and when heat is applied to it, the film shrinks thereby tightening the grasp around the product. Right from covering kitchen leftovers, cartons, boxes, glass, books, DVDs to buildings etc, it takes care of almost everything. Shrinkwraps are preferred over ordinary wrappers because of their ability to hold the goods tightly and in a coordinated manner which in turn helps to keep the items clean and also ready for use.

You can of course check out our shrinkwraps that come in various sizes and thicknesses including several other supplies related to the same. The shrinkwrap rolls for example can be used for covering items that require strength and durability. Apart from this, you can also browse through our shrinkwrap bags which are the quickest and the most inexpensive ways of encasing media supplies like magazines, CDs and DVDs. On the other hand we have the 100 gauge shrink tube roll which has been designed to seal jewel cases, CD, soaps, kindles, frames, gift baskets, album, paper, toys, software programs, paper and all kinds of retail products. However, don’t forget to check out the wrinkle free, glossy and super clear shrink wrap-polyolefin. Available in 75 and 100 gauge thickness, they are puncture resistant and work well with both regular and irregular objects. Being a three-layered co-extruded film, it offers an unmatched durability and resistance. Another noteworthy feature of this product is that it is FDA approved.

Among supplies we have products including heat gun shrink wrap sealer, shrink wrap sealer replacement wires, shrink wrap sealer replacement teflon, roll holder, pro shrink wrap sealer only, shrink wrap sealer………the list is endless.

It’s finally time to give your items that much needed protection and at the same time also make them presentable and impressive.

So visit our website today for all the latest on shrink wraps.

Gumball Machines – The Ultimate Choice for Your Business


What is a better way of spreading a mouthful of happiness this holiday season than decorating somebody’s platter with beautiful, delicious and colorful candy delights? They are not merely children’s favorites as it was long thought. Adults too go equally gaga over these tasty and flavorful items that not only leave a wonderful taste in the mouth but also make one feel more nostalgic and consumed by the holiday spirit.

So in order to cater to the increasing demands for vending and gumball machines this holiday season, we have for you a wide variety of them. Let’s walk you through the vibrant stock that will surely bring a smile on your face and give you a chance to keep the holiday
spirit alive.

All our gumball machines come in different shapes and designs with a metal top and base. Some of the most exciting ones include deluxe quad machines with stand, deluxe triple gumball machines, deluxe six machines with stand.. the list is endless. They all have a steel coin mechanism and a high quality security lock. There is also a locking drawer at the bottom making the process of coin collection easier. Among others, the spiral gumball machine is a one of its kind. Built with a capacity to hold up to 3,000 gumballs, they are very sturdy and made of fiber glass with long-lasting metal coin mechanism.

But did you know that apart from spreading happiness to people all around, you too can cash in on this golden opportunity to give your business a profitable headstart? And for this what you only need to keep in mind is the location. So if you have a business of your own, you can place the machines at your store or any other location with a strong footfall and then see how your business profits double up within a matter of just a few months. But in case you don’t have your own store or any other suitable location to place the dispensers in, what you can do is choose a retail store or other businesses with a good inflow of customers. This will give you an opportunity to make a handsome profit even after shelling out a certain percentage of your income to the store owner.

So get one for your business today and see how money rolls in by leaps and bounds. Isn’t this a wonderful way of spreading cheer and at the same time also leveraging maximum benefits out of your business?

Specialty Store Services featured in the ‘Independent Retailer’

We are really pleased to announce that ‘Independent Retailer,’ one of the most reliable and esteemed trade publications for independent retail store owners has featured an article on Specialty Store Services in one of their recent publications.

This comes three years after AVN Novelty Business published the article ‘Bringing Special Back’ on our store. I am sure most of you out there remember the article but for the new customers here’s the link.

I am absolutely humbled to see our efforts being recognized and spoken about. I love the place where the celebrated author Rory J Simpson writes – The “Chicago-based outfitter has everything a store needs to stock, display and sell its wares, all ready for immediate shipment at the lowest prices around.” I also take this opportunity to thank our dedicated workforce who have really worked hard to take Specialty Store Services where it is today. We always try to cater to your needs in the best possible manner by ensuring a good customer service and it feels really good when people mention about it.

You would be happy to know that we are now 4,000 SKUs strong and growing. This long journey has been fraught with a lot of challenges but we are really glad and also privileged to have your association. We cherish every moment of this bonding and urge you to keep this faith in our services alive. We promise never to let you down!

To read the article click here.

Some video supplies to spice up the holiday season and beyond


Everyone out there would swear by the fact that reclining on a couch on a chilly winter afternoon with a hot steaming cuppa held in one hand and a movie playing on TV is the perfect idea of the run up to Christmas. And moreover with films like Harry Potter and the Deathly Gallows, Faster or the Warriors Way already released and another slew of new releases in the pipeline the movie buffs will be completely spoilt for choice this season.

And to make this already vibrant season even more colorful, you can dole out some of the best movies and CDs both from the past and present from your store and make this time of the year the most memorable one. For storing CDs and DVDs, however, you would obviously need certain supplies like cases, albums etc.

Now the big question is where would you procure them from? The answer is simple. Specialty Store Services, the one-stop shop for all kinds of retail supplies. We have multiple paraphernalia related to video like cd/dvd cases, disc repair/and disc verifiers, dvd cases, media supplies, media storage, game cases, vhs cases, media mailers, custom imprinted video rental forms etc.

Each item is unique and caters to your needs perfectly. So after you store the CDs and DVDs in these cases and albums, you can then lock them up safely in the cabinets. Also, don’t forget to check out our mobile video return and display cart. Made of steel with chip-resistant epoxy finish the best thing about the display cart is that it can be easily transported from one place to another. In addition to this, you can also check out the replacement cases for disney VHS tapes for they can make the torn and tattered Disney CDs look all new and dazzling. In fact they are great for home theater collections too.

So browse through our stock and I bet you would be absolutely hooked on the startling variety that we have!

Some cool hangers that can really make your dresses look awesome


While going out if you reach for a dress only to find that in a wrinkled and creased state, how do you feel? Absolutely awful I know. The same goes for your store as well. If you keep the apparels piled on top of one another, people would simply walk past the section without even bothering to turn around and take a look let alone wading through that huge mound.

But you can easily avoid this situation only if you can take that little trouble of hanging your clothes on a hanger. They not only keep the dresses in a perfect shape but also make them look clean and attractive. So for a remarkable variety of hangers, you can visit our store because we have different types of them spread across almost all types of clotheslines.

Let’s begin with heavy weight dress hangers first. From the very name itself you can make out they are meant for hanging the heavy winter clothes including sweatpants, sweaters, winter coats, long-sleeved shirts, jeans, mittens, turtlenecks etc. Made of polystyrene they are designed to hold heavy apparels perfectly in their place. Now available in three different sizes, they can be a perfect choice for people going through tough times trying to organize their winter wardrobe. We also have a specially designed 17” heavyweight suit hanger fitted with metal clips which slide and swivel to accommodate merchandise of any size.

Among others we have heavyweight skirt/pant hangers, 17” outer wear hangers, 17” all purpose hangers, 14” skirt/slack hangers, 17” all purpose contoured coat and suit hanger, 17” wooden coat hanger, break resistant skirt/pant hanger, 12” pinch grip hanger, chrome 16” shirt hanger, 16” combination hanger, and many many more.

I am sure you will get normal hangers at a lot of places but custom made hangers like the ones mentioned above are really difficult to find. All of these are made with sturdy materials that can withstand pressure and their unique designs also make them a runaway favorite among shoppers of all age groups and from every walk of life.

However, if you think we are merely stacking up on these hangers you would be wrong. We are also taking a lot of care to ensure that they can be easily maintained. This is because very often we have seen that when kept together in large numbers, these hangers tend to get entangled resulting in frequent breakages. So we have come up with a hanger stacker which helps you get rid of this menace. Constructed with a capacity to hold upto 50 hangers, the freestanding hanger organizer helps to keep the hangers neat and contained thus making their maintenance an absolute cakewalk much to your delight.

Now with feet warmers you can avoid cold feet

Winter is already here with Thanksgiving’s over and Christmas shopping season off to a heady start. And with these festivities also come the inevitable – the freezing temperatures, snow and the biting cold. So in order to escape these extremes of temperature, people do all that is required to keep themselves warm and comfortable. But in this scramble, they generally tend to neglect a very important part of the body which is the feet.

It has been observed that due to severe cold conditions people experience a drop in their feet temperature during this time of the year. This condition is characterized by tenderness in the feet, burning sensation, numbness of feet and cramps in the calves.

As they say prevention is better than cure, you can obviously use feet warmers that keep your feet warm and comfortable by enhancing blood circulation. Specialty Store Services has a whole range of feet warmers that take care of your feet and help keep cold feet at bay. You can use them at both offices and homes. We have several varieties like toasty toes heated footrest, cozy legs radiant heat panel, footwarmer heated doormat, toasty toes fleece cover and cozy legs stand.

Although designed differently, they all serve a similar purpose. All the products are portable and can be placed anywhere according to convenience. But each one of them has its own specialty. For example while the toasty toes heated footrest’s ergonomic design allows one to maintain a proper seating posture, the foot warmer heated indoor mat offers an excellent option for people with mobility problems or poor blood circulation. Moreover, as it seats neatly on the floor there are no chances of tipping off like the space heaters. On the other hand our toasty toes fleece cover not only keeps your feet heated on those cold nights but is also easily washable. There is also the cozy legs stand that lets you enjoy the warmth of the radiant heat while watching TV, listening to radio, talking with friends or loved ones.

And to make the operation of these products easy, we have introduced the hi-low temperature control switch which enables you to adjust the temperature of the heating product. So not only this winter but in many more winters to come you can enjoy the cozy warmth of our products at the most affordable price range.

However, in order to know about the products in detail you can either visit our website anytime or drop into our store between 8.30AM-4.30PM Monday through Friday!