In today’s competitive marketplace, first impressions matter more than ever. Whether you’re launching a new product, refreshing a retail space, or building brand awareness at a trade show, high-quality signage and display solutions are one of the most effective tools for capturing attention and driving measurable results. For agencies, resellers, and promotional product distributors, choosing the right signage partner can make or break a campaign.
At Interstate Graphics, we’ve spent over four decades helping brands, agencies, and resellers create impactful visual experiences through precision-crafted signage and display solutions. As a trusted commercial trade printer headquartered in Northern Illinois, we specialize in behind-the-scenes production that keeps your clients’ brands on time and on target. Here’s what you need to know about making the most of your signage investment.
Why Signage Still Matters in a Digital World
Despite the rise of digital marketing, physical signage remains one of the highest-ROI advertising channels available. According to industry research, nearly 76% of consumers have entered a store they’ve never visited before based on its signage alone. Effective in-store and outdoor signage influences purchasing decisions, increases foot traffic, and reinforces brand recognition in ways that digital ads simply cannot.
A well-placed sign works around the clock, delivering your message to every passerby without recurring ad spend. Unlike a paid digital campaign that stops the moment your budget runs out, a durable, professionally produced sign continues generating impressions for months or even years. For trade partners managing multiple client campaigns, signage offers a scalable, cost-effective solution that consistently delivers results.
Types of Signage & Display Solutions
The right signage depends on your goals, environment, and audience. Here are some of the most popular signage and display solutions we produce for our trade and reseller partners across the country:
Point-of-Purchase (POP) Displays
POP displays are designed to grab attention right where buying decisions are made. From countertop units and endcap displays to freestanding floor displays and dump bins, these solutions put your product front and center at retail. Studies show that well-designed POP displays can increase product sales by up to 20%, making them one of the most effective tools for driving impulse purchases and boosting brand visibility on the sales floor.
At Interstate Graphics, we produce POP displays using a range of substrates including corrugated, foam board, acrylic, and rigid PVC. Our wide-format digital and screen printing capabilities ensure vibrant, color-accurate graphics that bring your brand to life at the point of sale.
Indoor Signage & Wall Graphics
Transform any interior space with vibrant wall graphics, dimensional lettering, and fully branded environments. Whether it’s a corporate lobby, retail showroom, restaurant, or event venue, indoor signage sets the tone and tells your brand story the moment someone walks through the door.
Modern wall graphic materials have come a long way — today’s options include repositionable adhesive vinyl, fabric-based prints, and textured laminates that can be applied to virtually any smooth surface. Indoor signage is also ideal for wayfinding, compliance messaging, and creating immersive customer experiences that reinforce brand loyalty.
Outdoor & Exterior Signage
Built to withstand the elements, outdoor signage keeps your brand visible day and night. From storefront signs and building wraps to large-format banners and yard signs, durable materials and UV-resistant inks ensure your message stays sharp and professional through sun, rain, wind, and snow.
Choosing the right material is critical for outdoor applications. Aluminum composite panels (ACM), corrugated plastic, MDO plywood, and heavy-duty vinyl banners each offer different advantages depending on the installation environment, expected lifespan, and budget. Our production team can help you select the best substrate and finishing options for any outdoor signage project.
Trade Show & Event Displays
Make a lasting impression at trade shows, conferences, and events with portable displays, backlit graphics, retractable banners, and custom booth elements. A polished trade show presence can be the difference between blending in and standing out in a crowded exhibition hall — and it starts with high-quality printed graphics.
We produce everything from tabletop displays and pop-up banners to full booth backwalls and hanging structures. Our fast turnaround times mean you can update your messaging for each event without long lead times, keeping your brand current and your booth looking fresh.
Tin Tackers & Embossed Metal Signs
A specialty of Interstate Graphics, tin tackers deliver a premium, tactile brand experience that digital simply can’t replicate. These durable embossed metal signs are perfect for breweries, restaurants, bars, and consumer brands looking to create a nostalgic yet eye-catching display that customers want to keep.
Tin tackers combine the visual impact of full-color lithographic printing with the dimensional quality of embossed metal, creating a sign that feels as good as it looks. They’re built to last for years and are a proven way to build brand affinity in on-premise and retail environments.
What Sets Great Signage Apart
Not all signage is created equal. The most effective displays share a few key qualities that separate forgettable signs from ones that truly drive results:
- Bold, clear messaging — Keep it simple. Your audience should understand your message within three seconds. Avoid cluttered layouts and stick to one primary call to action.
- High-quality materials — Premium substrates, inks, and finishes ensure longevity and a professional appearance. Cheap materials reflect poorly on the brand they represent.
- Strategic placement — The best sign in the world won’t work if nobody sees it. Consider sightlines, lighting conditions, viewing distance, and foot traffic patterns when planning placement.
- Consistent branding — Colors, fonts, and imagery should align with your overall brand identity across every touchpoint, from digital to physical. Consistency builds recognition and trust.
- Durability and finish — Match the materials and coatings to the environment. Outdoor signs need UV protection and weatherproofing. High-traffic indoor signs need scuff-resistant laminates.
Choosing the Right Trade Printer for Signage
For agencies and resellers, your production partner is an extension of your team. The right trade printer doesn’t just hit deadlines — they protect your reputation by delivering consistent quality on every job. Here’s what to look for when evaluating a signage production partner:
- Diverse production capabilities — Look for a partner who can handle wide-format digital, screen printing, and specialty applications under one roof. This reduces coordination headaches and speeds up turnaround.
- Scalability — Whether you need 10 signs or 10,000, your trade printer should be able to scale production without sacrificing quality.
- Nationwide fulfillment — For multi-location rollouts, choose a partner with experience in kitting, warehousing, and direct shipping to individual locations across the country.
- Responsive communication — In the fast-paced world of retail and promotional marketing, you need a production partner who picks up the phone and keeps you informed at every stage.
Partner with Interstate Graphics
Ranked #58 on the 2024 Wide-Format Impressions 150 list, Interstate Graphics is a trusted trade printer for agencies, resellers, and promotional product distributors nationwide. From concept to nationwide rollout, we handle the production so you can focus on your clients.
As a proud member of the RMX Network, we bring the resources of a national network with the personal attention of a family-owned business. Whether you need a one-off prototype or a full-scale retail rollout, our team is ready to deliver.
Ready to start your next signage project? Contact Interstate Graphics today to request a quote or discuss your display needs with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a trade printer?
A trade printer is a production partner that works behind the scenes for agencies, resellers, and distributors. Trade printers like Interstate Graphics produce signage and displays on behalf of their partners, who then deliver the finished product to their end clients.
What materials are best for outdoor signage?
The best material depends on the application. Aluminum composite panels (ACM) are ideal for long-term exterior signs. Corrugated plastic works well for temporary yard signs. Heavy-duty vinyl banners are great for large-format outdoor displays. All outdoor signage should use UV-resistant inks and protective laminates for maximum durability.
How long does it take to produce custom signage?
Production timelines vary depending on the complexity of the project, materials involved, and order volume. Standard turnaround at Interstate Graphics is typically 5-7 business days from proof approval, with rush options available for time-sensitive projects.