Need Safety Signs for Your Retail Shop?
This guide helps you choose the right signs for your shop, from customer areas to stockrooms, quickly and easily.
- Typical signs needed: 15-30
- Time to read: 8 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
Customer-Facing Areas: Keeping Shoppers Safe
First impressions matter. Ensure your customer areas are safe and compliant without compromising your store's aesthetic. Clear signage helps prevent accidents and shows you care about your customers' well-being.
In customer areas, you'll want clear fire exit signs leading to all exits. A fire action notice should be prominently displayed near the entrance. Consider CCTV signs if you use surveillance. If spills are common, keep wet floor signs handy. In smaller shops, a simple no smoking sign near the entrance is usually sufficient.
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fire exit signs | 2-4 | Above/adjacent to each exit, 300x100mm minimum |
| Fire action notice | 1 | Near main entrance, A4 size |
| CCTV signs | 2-4 | At entry points and in areas under surveillance, 150x200mm |
| Wet floor signs | 2 | Near potential spill areas, A-frame style |
| No smoking signs | 1 | Near entrance, 150x200mm |
Quick Tip: Consider using stylish or discreet sign frames to blend safety signs with your store's decor.
Next, let's look at fire exits...
Fire Exits in Retail Spaces: Safety Meets Aesthetics
Fire exits are crucial, but you don't want them to be an eyesore. Use clear, photoluminescent fire exit signs that are visible even in low light. Ensure all exits are clearly marked, even if they're not frequently used.
You'll need fire exit signs above or next to every fire exit door. Use directional arrows to guide people to the nearest exit. If an exit route changes direction, add additional fire exit signs to clearly indicate the new path. Don't forget fire door keep shut signs on all fire doors.
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fire exit signs | 3-10 | Above/adjacent to each exit, 300x100mm minimum, photoluminescent |
| Fire exit directional arrows | 2-6 | Along exit routes, 150x150mm, photoluminescent |
| Fire door keep shut signs | 2-5 | On both sides of all fire doors, self-adhesive |
Quick Tip: Photoluminescent signs are essential for fire exits, ensuring visibility during a power outage.
Let's move to the stockroom...
Stockroom & Back of House: Staff Safety First
The stockroom is often a high-risk area. Ensure staff are protected with the appropriate safety signs. Focus on hazard warnings and mandatory PPE requirements.
You'll need PPE mandatory signs at the entrance to the stockroom if specific protective equipment is required (e.g., safety boots, high-vis vests). Use warning signs to highlight potential hazards, such as trip hazards, forklift traffic, or stacking risks. A first aid sign should be clearly visible, indicating the location of the first aid kit. Post staff only signs to restrict customer access. If you store flammable materials, ensure you have the correct hazard warning signs.
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PPE mandatory signs | 1 | At stockroom entrance, 300x400mm |
| Warning signs (trip hazard, forklift, etc.) | 2-4 | Near relevant hazards, 150x200mm |
| First aid sign | 1 | Near first aid kit, 150x150mm |
| Staff only sign | 1 | At stockroom entrance, 200x300mm |
Quick Tip: Regularly review the stockroom for new hazards and update your signage accordingly.
Now, let's consider till points...
Till Points & Customer Service: Clear Communication
The till point is a key interaction area. While safety signs might be less prominent here, clear communication is essential. Focus on information and guidance for both staff and customers.
Depending on your policies, you might need no smoking signs or CCTV signs near the till. If you handle age-restricted products, display appropriate signage. A first aid sign nearby can also be helpful. You may also need signage regarding returns policies etc, these are not safety signs but are still important.
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| No smoking sign | 0-1 | If applicable, 150x200mm |
| CCTV sign | 0-1 | If applicable, 150x200mm |
| First aid sign | 0-1 | Nearby, 150x150mm |
Quick Tip: Keep signage at till points clear, concise, and easy to understand.
Finally, let's think about shopping centres...
Shopping Centre Considerations: Shared Responsibilities
If your shop is in a shopping centre, some safety responsibilities are shared. Coordinate with the centre management to avoid duplication and ensure consistency.
Shopping centres usually handle main fire exit signs and emergency procedures. However, you're still responsible for internal signage within your shop. Check with the centre management regarding approved sign types and placement. Ensure your internal fire exit signs align with the centre's overall evacuation plan. You'll also need to ensure your stockroom and staff areas meet the same safety standards as a standalone shop.
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Internal fire exit signs | As needed | Coordinate with centre management, 300x100mm |
| Stockroom safety signs | As needed | PPE, warnings, first aid |
Quick Tip: Maintain open communication with the shopping centre management regarding safety procedures and signage.
Ready to build your sign package?
Your Retail Sign Package: Ready to Purchase
You now have a clear understanding of the safety signs needed for your retail shop. From customer areas to stockrooms, you're ready to create a safe and compliant environment.
Consider the size of your shop and the specific hazards present when determining the number of signs needed. Choose durable materials like rigid plastic for walls and self-adhesive vinyl for doors. For fire safety signs, always opt for photoluminescent materials. Remember to regularly inspect your signs and replace any that are damaged or faded.
Quick Tip: Take a walk around your shop with this guide and make a note of each sign you need before placing your order.
Use the checklist below to build your order!
Complete Buying Checklist
Use this checklist when ordering to ensure you have everything you need:
Fire Safety
| Product | Qty | Size | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire exit signs | 3-10 | 300x100mm | Photoluminescent |
| Fire door keep shut signs | 2-5 | 100x150mm | Self-adhesive |
| Fire action notice | 1-2 | A4 | Rigid Plastic |
Mandatory & Warning
| Product | Qty | Size | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| PPE mandatory signs | 1 | 300x400mm | Rigid Plastic |
| Warning signs | 2-4 | 150x200mm | Rigid Plastic |
| Wet floor signs | 2 | A-frame | Plastic |
General Information
| Product | Qty | Size | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| First aid sign | 1-2 | 150x150mm | Rigid Plastic |
| Staff only signs | 1-3 | 200x300mm | Rigid Plastic |
| CCTV signs | 2-4 | 150x200mm | Rigid Plastic |
| No smoking signs | 1-2 | 150x200mm | Rigid Plastic |
Estimated Total: 15-30 signs, approximately £150-£400
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need all these signs in a small shop?
Even in a small shop, fire safety is paramount. You'll need clear fire exit signs, a fire action notice, and potentially a first aid sign. Consider a no smoking sign near the entrance. While the number of signs may be fewer, their importance remains the same.
How do I choose the right size for my safety signs?
Sign size depends on viewing distance. As a general rule, 300x100mm is suitable for viewing distances up to 20 metres. For longer distances, go larger. See our Safety Sign Sizes Explained guide for more detailed information.
Ready to order?
You now know exactly what safety signs your retail shop needs. Shop our range of high-quality signs and ensure a safe and compliant environment for your staff and customers.
Buying for a large project? Open a Trade Account for exclusive pricing, or request a bulk quote today.
Shop These Products
Add the signs mentioned in this guide directly to your basket
Fire Exit - Left - Safety Sign
Fire Exit - Right - Safety Sign
Fire Action - EEC - Safety Sign
First Aid - Safety Sign
No Smoking Vertical - Safety Sign
Caution Wet Floor (Free-Standing Floor Sign) - Safety Sign
Need larger quantities or custom signs? Request a trade quote