If you have ever operated a retail space, you would appreciate the importance of first impressions. The shopfront is the first point of contact, and a canopy helps determine whether a customer walks past to a competitor, or steps inside. However, if this is your first foray into shop awnings, the choices may appear a bit daunting.
## What Actually Is a Shop Canopy?
Simply put, a shop canopy is a covered structure that extends from the front of your building, typically positioned above the entrance or the window display. Older shop awnings are those that used to have canvas and striped fabric. Nowadays, contemporary alternatives encasing modern fabrics, sleek aluminum structures and even fixed polycarbonate structures are available. However, the framework has changed, the primary aim is to provide shelter and articulate your building.
However, most people do not realise the range of practical considerations of a shop canopy until it is too late.
# Why Have a Canopy?
The British weather can be miserable, and canopies provide shelter, giving customers the opportunity to pause and consider window displays without being harassed by mass downpours. It also protects window displays from sun damage, something that many shop owners learn way too late once the merchandise inside starts to fade.
Canopies also feature your business name and brand to the public, giving prime advertising headspace. People pay attention to canopies, and a unique design can be memorable, strengthening brand recall.
Canopies also help reduce the heat from the sun. If your store has large windows, a good canopy can really reduce how much heat comes into your store and can help cut down air conditioning costs.
## Canopy Types and Use
Fixed canopies are non-retractable, and can be made with metal frames, fabric, polycarbonate, or acrylic.
Retractable awnings give your windows more visibility because they can be closed, but they are high maintenance because they have more moving pieces.
Dutch canopies (shops with curved canopies that you see on many high streets) do add character to a café or shop and project less distance than other canopies. A lot of independent retailers and café’s add Dutch canopies to their shopfronts to achieve a vintage aesthetic.
Unlike other canopies that cover an entire shopfront, entrance canopies only cover the doorways. These are especially good for situations with planning restrictions and listed buildings.
## What You Need To Know
There are many things to consider before you go ahead and order your shopfront canopies. These can take a long time to process due to council regulations, which can vary on distance of the canopy from public walkways. If your building is listed, you will run into even more restrictions. Make sure to look into your building’s regulations before spending money on the canopy’s designs.
For your canopies to look aesthetically pleasing, they need to fit the proportions of your shopfront. You will need to pay close attention to the measurements, and be sure that it will not obstruct the pedestrians passing by. It needs to be big enough to cover the shopfront, but it also should not be too big.
The price of the canopy may be high depending on your material choice and your willingness to invest time into upkeep. A canopy made of fabric will look better than the other options available, but it also will need to replaced more often. Blank and polycarbonate are a better long-term investment, but they do not require less upkeep.
Something that is often overlooked is the wind rating. This is especially important for the location of your shopfront. A canopy that would be fine on a high street may not be fine on a less sheltered area.
## Realities of Canopy Maintenance
Without maintenance, nothing lasts forever. Canopies need to be cleaned. This needs to be done at least once or twice a year depending on the area. This may need to be done more often if you are located near busy roads. Seams and stitching should be checked annually. For metal frames rust should be inspected annually, especially if you are near a coastal area.
Even if you don’t need to, retractable mechanisms should be used regularly to keep everything in working order. You should also store the mechanisms during storms, unless they are rated for high wind.
## Is It Worth It?
That completely depends on your situation. For retailers, especially at street level, the canopy pays for itself very quickly due to the increased foot traffic. For people in covered malls or retailers without street presence, the value is not as visible. It makes sense to look into your own needs instead of putting one in because everyone else does.
When done well, the canopy becomes part of the shop. It becomes a reference point for customers, telling people it’s “the place with the red striped awning”. When done badly, it’s just an added expense.