Retractable Awnings: How They Can Grow Your Business

As an entrepreneur, if the word "awning" has ever crossed your mind, you probably didn't associate it with carving out a larger piece of market share. But, put to the right uses, retractable awnings can help you do exactly that.

Do you own a business? Track profit margins and make purchase recommendations? Manage commercial or multi-housing properties? If this picture sounds familiar, this article will speak to your concerns by explaining how awnings can be used for purposes of branding and promotion.

If you're someone who likes to track current business trends, you've noticed that branding and logo styling is tending toward simple, clean-lined designs. In contrast to the flashy glut of last decade's advertising, "less is more" is the current maxim. Why? Because consumers like a simple, low-key experience without a lot of distracting clutter (Remember the old department stores?).

Awnings become part of this equation in relation to exterior design schemes. They have clean lines, vivid colors, and a modern vibe, all of which creates strong visual appeal. Installed with a little forethought, they do a good job breaking up a building's facade and adding personality to a business's trademark look.

However, the benefits extend beyond aesthetics. Awnings can be utilized for direct promotion. As companies search for innovative ways to market themselves, awnings are being used as outdoor signage, bringing together practical design considerations with eye-catching brand presentation.

Accelerating this trend are improvements in awning production technology: durable acrylic fabrics coupled with bright, high-contrast printing methods result in visible, long-lasting logos and text. If a commercial property is located in an area with high traffic, the advertising potential of awnings soars. If a business is less visible, then vivid, branded awnings make the company easy to find.

Finally, retractable awnings are trending green, which is significant since businesses are working to be more energy efficient. Awnings cut glare by 94 percent and lower inside temperatures by up to 15 degrees. This in turn lowers utility costs by up to 34 percent (American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers)--an accomplishment that pays big dividends, especially when applied to properties with large square footage.

If your interests are in the commercial sector, than these are some of the more "creative" uses of awnings. There are basic business uses for awnings as well, and you should be aware that they can also enhance your outdoor areas, lower your utility costs, and increase your building's capacity. No wonder companies like Dillards and Panera Bread are incorporating awnings in their marketing plans.