Category: News

A pylon sign is typically described as a freestanding outdoor structure that is supported by one or two poles. Due to their simplicity, size and visibility, these signs are used to great effect by companies in a range of different industries.

One of the most well-known examples is the service station sector. Today, almost every metropolitan petrol station across the country has at least one pylon in use. While most of these modern pylons utilise new-age content management systems and vibrant LED backlighting techniques, it’s important to remember that this wasn’t always the case. Let’s look back at the evolution of the petrol station pylons.

Early 1900’s

In the early 1900’s, soon after automobiles became more widely adopted, the first “drive-in filling stations” began to pop up. These hubs were introduced to reduce traffic congestion and provide an easier customer experience. While these early gas stations were functional, they unsurprisingly lacked signage with most utilising nothing more than a basic pylon showing off the station’s brand and a small, ground-level board sign to detail prices.

Late 1970’s

While the quality of the signage did rapidly evolve over the next few decades, it was not until the late 1970’s when what we know as modern solutions, began to come into play. Service stations began to utilise large freestanding structures that detailed fuel prices. These signs, while noticeable, were predictably very basic by today’s standards. Fuel prices were handwritten using chalk, which meant a continuous rotation of gas station employees having to climb up a ladder to erase and re-write information.

Mid 1990’s

By the mid 1990’s the service station model had completely changed, with leading retailers beginning to focus on augmenting their services through the introduction of attached convenience stores. To market these additional offerings, many companies began to add an extra element to their existing pylon signs, usually in the form of a textual message underneath the gas prices. With all this being said, it is important to note that while the mid to late 90’s were characterised as a time of rapid tech adoption, pylon structures could not yet detail dynamic information which meant fuel prices still had to be updated by hand.

Today

Perhaps the biggest changes to petrol station pylons have occurred after the turn of the millennia. Due to a shift in consumer demands over the last 10-15 years, companies have started to focus on value creation and convenience with the ultimate goal being to simplify the customer journey wherever possible. As a result of this, gas station pylons have become more streamlined in their approach – with most now focused on detailing an express benefit to the consumer (e.g. 4c off per litre for using our loyalty card).

Additionally due to further advancements in technology, the process of manually setting prices has become a thing of the past. With dynamic content management systems not only a necessity but a legal requirement; prices can be remotely updated with changes showing up instantly on the pylon’s LED screen.

Future

Looking into the future, research suggests that petrol stations will continue to head down the road of digitalisation. With LED technology continuing to become more accessible and affordable, there is no doubt that digital pylons will soon become the norm for businesses of all shapes and sizes.

If your business is in need of a pylon or if you simply need an upgrade, CV Media & Signage is here to help. Our knowledgeable team has decades of experience in the service station signage industry and would be glad to assist you in improving your business.

Many experts see the COVID-19 pandemic as a catalyst in demonstrating the importance of business flexibility. After all, this willingness to quickly adapt was central to the mid-and-post-pandemic successes of innovative market leaders such as Guzman Y Gomez, Coles and Woolworths. These companies, along with others, managed to thrive by implementing futuristic strategies that would streamline their operations while also increasing service-quality.

The already promising click & collect model is a perfect example of a strategy that absolutely exploded in popularity over the course of 2020. This omnichannel model encourages customers to research, order and pay online before physically coming into the store to collect a product. While the use of this strategy was already gaining significant traction between 2015 and 2019, the pandemic resulted in a >100% increase in year on year click & collect sales between 2019 and 2020. While this growth is obviously not sustainable, research does point to an annualised ≈18% growth in sales between 2021 and 2025.

This continual growth will be the result of greater adoption across a wider range of industries – while the model is already relatively prevalent in the QSR and supermarket sectors, it can ultimately benefit almost any product-based company. Even automotive retailers have started to utilise variants of the click & collect model with industry leaders such as Toyota, Hyundai and Ford all giving customers the opportunity to order a vehicle online before collecting it in person.

Here’s why why your business should be next to adopt the click & collect framework:

Productivity improvements

Nowadays, most major product-orientated companies invest large amounts of money and time into perfecting their delivery offerings. Unfortunately, research suggests that consumers are wary of delivery options with roughly 20% stating that they do not trust the delivery systems of major companies. With this in mind, it should come as no surprise that 35% of prefer to use in-store pick up services. With more people favouring the latter, it could be said that businesses who utilise such a strategy could reduce home deliveries and therefore maximise in-store productivity.

Cost reductions

Following on from the previous point – if a company was able to reduce home deliveries, it would be able to effectively cope with demand while utilising less staff. As a result of this companies can minimise costs while utilising a proven method that will increase profits.

Increase in spending per consumer

A multitude of research focusing on the click & collect model suggests that consumers, more often than not, will purchase extra products when picking up their items. While numbers vary across different studies, there is a general consensus that at least 50% of shoppers will make an additional order when collecting something they ordered online.

Increase in loyal customers

Customers will receive superior service-quality when they utilise a click & collect service. In-store pickup is convenient, reliable, and cheaper than home delivery. In monopolistic markets such as the supermarket or fast-food sectors, service-quality can often be the deciding factor as to whether a customer remains loyal or goes to a competitor. Therefore, businesses in these spaces should be hyper focused on creating competitive advantages through streamlined customer-focused offerings. The click & collect model has the potential to create clear differentiation points that can increase the probability of a one-off customer becoming a loyal buyer.

While the click & collect model was already proving to be a market disruptor prior to the pandemic, an exceptionally unique set of circumstances has seen this strategy explode in popularity over the past 18 months. Dubbed as the ‘ultimate link between digital and physical retail’ the research suggests that businesses who continue to offer in-store pickup services will consistently perform more favourably than competitors who are yet to jump on the trend.

As featured on Inside Retail.

The National Construction Code (NCC) is a performance-based code that sets the minimum required level for the safety, health, amenity, accessibility, and sustainability of particular buildings. While signage did not traditionally need to comply with the NCC, its exemption was removed in 2019. As a result of this, signage now needs to comply with the flammability requirements of external wall materials and has become a hot topic between CV Media & Signage and customers.

But where do you even begin?

The reasoning behind these changes can be traced back to the Grenfell Tower tragedy back in 2017. This fire demonstrated how flammable ACM (Aluminium Composite Materials) can be and how quickly flames can spread once the core ignites. Signage is now assessed in accordance with its flammability (how it is manufactured and installed) and its location (where it is installed).

How do you know if your sign complies?

To minimise the likelihood of fires, the NCC now states that ancillary elements on class A & B buildings cannot be fixed, installed, or attached to a wall that is required to be non-combustible unless they are non-combustible or fulfil the new exemption criterions. Put simply, signs that are not a required sign or are non-combustible must:

• Meet specific spatial requirements (i.e., does not extend beyond one storey, does not extend beyond one fire compartment, and is vertically separated from other signs by at least two storeys) and
• Achieve a group number 1 or 2

This is in relation to the 5637:2015 test that is used to determine fire hazard properties. Group 1 refers to materials that do not reach flashover within 10 minutes after exposure to 300Kw, while Group 2 refers to materials that reach flashover within 10-20 minutes of exposure to 300Kw. Materials that don’t fit into these two groups are generally timber products, plastics such as acrylic and polystyrene, and other components that are often used for cladding

What if my sign doesn’t meet the above requirements?

Fortunately, if you are insistent on attaching a specific sign to a non-combustible surface but cannot meet the previously stated requirements, there are other options. First and foremost, there is the option to get a performance-based assessment from an accredited risk and compliance organisation. Fortunately, CV Media & Signage can step you through this process.

It is important to note that these kinds of performance solutions are incredibly common in the signage industry – with acrylic such a commonly used material, external certification is required in a large majority of cases. All illuminated signs on Class A & B buildings (except for perforated, ally flex face and glass) require performance solutions.

The assessment begins with an examination of your sign to determine its fire rating. As a part of this examination, the specialist will look at how the solution was manufactured while also taking its material composition into account. If there is a digital/illuminated element to the sign, the location and physical makeup of the power supplies will be considered. Finally, the sign’s placement in the building will be assessed including:

• Whether or not the sign is on the top storey (fire burns vertically so a product at the top of a building will not affect anything below)
• Whether the wall construction above the sign is non-combustible and will resist a fire
• Whether the sign is located above an exit corridor
• Whether exposure to a fire that will ignite the sign is likely or not.

Proceeding these assessments, our accredited risk and compliance contractor will then use their findings to make an informed decision as to whether the sign is safe or not.

What if I don’t want to go through external certification?

If you do not wish to go down the performance solution route, we can create a sign out of materials that are permitted for use wherever incombustible material is needed. Materials such as aluminium casing have been proven to provide a strong barrier against fire and are less likely to ignite in a flashover. For more information and advice, do not hesitate to contact the experts at CV Media & Signage who are well versed in solving fire rated signage related issues in a timely and cost-effective manner.

As featured on Unwrap.

One of the latest marketing fads has seen advertisers use the power of nostalgia in order to evoke emotional responses from a target audience. Due to a handful of cognitive biases, this form of promotion is exceptionally powerful and has been shown to have positive effects on both brand awareness and sales. While there are a multitude of strategies for brands to evoke nostalgic feelings, signage has quickly become a popular medium for trendy venues to demonstrate a retro ambiance. This article digs deeper into how a nostalgia obsessed generation has brought neon signage back from the dead.

In the 20’s and 30’s, neon signs became a captivating phenomenon and were seen as a staple of the bustling commercial intersection of Times Square. Skip forward to the 60’s and while that infamous red neon glow temporarily become synonymous with some of the world’s seedier areas, these solutions proceeded to swiftly evolve into an art form of sorts with businesses flocking to create unique and eye-catching signage. While the golden age of neon was long-lived, the popularisation of LED in the 90s saw businesses slowly start to ditch the outdated look. The gradual move away from these solutions meant that by the mid-2010’s, the neon industry looked to be on borrowed time. With LED’s getting cheaper and more energy efficient, it seemed as though the end was near.

Thankfully this was not the case. As we edged towards a new decade, the saying “everything old is new again” began to make a lot of sense with neon signs, polaroids and a handful of other 20^th century items making a resurgent comeback. The question therefore becomes why. Why are bright neon signs that were considered overly gaudy just 10 years ago now a popular feature of stylish nightclubs, bars, and restaurants? The answer has to do with an inherent obsession about the past. To put it simply, people seek experiences and/or items that embody a period which they associate with happiness and simplicity. For older generations, neon signs are synonymous with a time when they were coming of age and seeing these signage solutions can therefore induce warm memories.

Perhaps paradoxically, neon and other vintage memorabilia have also formed into nostalgic symbols for the Gen Z demographic – despite the fact that this group was born after ~1996. While this generation’s obsession with a time period in which they were not alive is baffling to many, it does present businesses with a plethora of fantastic opportunities. Many venues now encompass an 80’s-90’s inspired aesthetic to target patrons aged in their teens and early 20’s.

Surprisingly, the use of neon solutions has not strictly been limited to trendy venues – Australian supermarket giant Woolworths has also jumped on the fad utilising neon solutions throughout its Double Bay outlet. Boasting a CV Media & Signage created solution, “The Kitchen” aims to create a more authentic customer journey through an aesthetically pleasing rustic marketplace design.

With nostalgia providing our lives with a sense of continuity and meaning, many people continue to seek experiences/items that will help them reminisce or relive the past. Neon signage is fast becoming a trendy medium that is being used to evoke these positive associations from consumers’ minds, taking them back to a simpler time.

 

A wayfinding strategy can be defined as an integrated set of visual cues that aim to help people navigate their way through a specific venue or facility. While wayfinding signs are often directional by nature, their effectiveness can actually extend far beyond helping people get from point A to point B – from increasing sales to driving brand awareness, here are three reasons why your business should be implementing a wayfinding system.

Create sales opportunities

Ever wondered about the psychology behind IKEA’s layout? While their stores have been the subject of many urban myths, many people still subscribe to the idea that IKEA outlets are designed in a way that will make people get lost. While this theory isn’t completely accurate, IKEA’s actual strategy is just as interesting. Essentially, the Swedish giant utilises a complex in-store wayfinding strategy which encourages consumers to take a clockwise adventure throughout the whole store, and therefore view almost every product in the process. Predictably, this encourages impulse buying and results in a large number of people leaving the store having made a purchase that they didn’t intend to make.

It is important to note that IKEA does not force consumers to tour the whole store. While there are shortcuts available, the business banks on the knowledge that humans generally employ a herd mentality and will more often than not, just go with the flow. In essence, IKEA aim to exploit the flawed nature of humans. IKEA’s incredibly unique case is proof that a well thought out wayfinding strategy can be used as a means to drive sales.

Boost brand awareness and exposure

While wayfinding signage does serve a functional purpose, that isn’t to say that it can’t also add value to your brand. In this day and age many companies use wayfinding systems as a means of demonstrating personality, often through the use of infographics, fun messages, or even storytelling. By adding these extra elements to an otherwise purely functional piece of signage, brands have been able to build exposure, and differentiate themselves from competition.

While wayfinding systems may not be the most thrilling element of branding, they continue to be an effective tool that many businesses use to pursue target markets and build relationships with customers.

Promotes convenience and enhances simplicity

While convenience was once a shopping luxury, consumers now demand it as a necessity. With more people continuing to chase a wild, fast-paced lifestyle, it is unsurprising that 83% of consumers agree that convenience is more important now than it was five years ago. This statistic suggests that the modern business should be placing a big emphasis on creating a customer journey that is both frictionless and simplistic.

At its core, an effective wayfinding system can help decongest high traffic areas, and in turn, ensure that a business is able to consistently function at an efficient level. From the perspective of a consumer, this translates to a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience.

The bottom line

It is important to remember that the main purpose of a wayfinding system should always be to help people get to where they want to be. With this being said, the effectiveness of wayfinding systems can extend far beyond the functional purpose that they serve – as detailed in this article, modern wayfinding systems have the capability to drive sales, boost brand awareness, and promote a simplistic consumer experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The ASGA & FESPA Australian National Awards for Excellence is a premier biennial event that aims to recognise and reward excellence within the signage industry. Having come off a highly productive two-year period, it is unsurprising that the CV Media & Signage team received four separate accolades on the night of the presentation.

Digital Media (LED & LCD)

To commemorate the brains behind AOSCo’s Mt Gravatt based digital billboard, CV Media & Signage were awarded bronze for the Digital Media accolade. CV have continued to work with the company since this project, adding four more high-quality displays to AOSCo’s fleet since the company’s inception in 2018. With these strategically placed attention-grabbing billboards facing both inbound and outbound traffic, AOSCo can now promise fantastic exposure for its clients.

Printed Fabrics and Textiles

Due to our high-quality innovations in Rebel’s ‘Home of Football’ area, CV was awarded gold for the Printed Fabrics and Textiles award. Located in Doncaster, this concept store aims to provide consumers with an immersive highly tangible experience using jaw-dropping signage and a multitude of touch points. While the entire store is exceptionally impressive, it is the ‘Home of Football’ wall that appears to garner the most attention.

This vibrant feature wall is 5.5m x 7.7m and primarily consists of illuminated fabric boxes. With the vast majority of this fabric being suspended across the ceiling, consumers are able to feel a real sense of immersion when they walk into the designated area.

Traditional signcraft skills

CV’s print solution in Woolworths’ Burwood Brickworks store was celebrated as the nation’s best representation of traditional signcraft skill. With the Burwood outlet focusing on sustainability, it is unsurprising that the client requested a static solution that encompassed the natural looking rustic marketplace feel.

The highlight of this project encompassed the delivery of a 17m x 3.9m mural at the store’s check-outs. Crucially, in order to maximise quality, CV sent two of its most skilled workers to hand paint every element, with the pair working on the mural for a total of 10 days.

Young Star Award (Adam Watts Bronze)

To celebrate the substantial role that he played in the production of AOSCo’s 7x12m billboard, Adam Watts took home the Young Star Award. CV feel as though this accolade is nothing but deserved – Adam has demonstrated an outstanding work ethic from his first day at the company, and continuously goes above and beyond to help out his colleagues.

CV Media & Signage’s diverse range of accolades are a demonstration of the business’s ability to consistently deliver a wide range of signage at an impressive standard. If your business is interested in expanding its signage offerings, do not hesitate to get in touch with CV.

Digital printing is a contemporary method of production that creates print from electronic files. In recent times, this new-age process has taken the printing industry by storm with its many advantages allowing businesses of all shapes to benefit from the technology. With this in mind, here are 5 reasons why digital print solutions should be incorporated into your marketing strategy.

Widespread suitability

Well before the turn of the millennium, digital print evolved from traditional screen printing and began to stamp its authority on the retail sector. At the time, digital print was all but exclusive to brick & mortar stores with physical businesses utilising using these solutions as simple yet effective branding tools. While print is still predominantly utilised by retailers, times have changed, and these solutions are now used by companies in virtually every industry.

Durability

When digital printing processes first came onto the market in the early 1990’s, they were prone to a range of durability issues. Fortunately, due to the rapid advances in technology, substrates and processes, these initial teething issues were rapidly solved.

Nowadays, digital print is widely renowned for its impressive durability. As a result of this, it is unsurprising that print solutions can now offer a range of scale in durability from 1 year promotional (ideal for short-term campaigns) through to 7-year UV/graffiti/scratch resistant options (perfect for long-term advertising)

In order to properly estimate these different levels of durability, accelerated weather testing is critical. Fortunately, CV runs all new print and product through stringent testing in NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) accredited weather accelerating laboratories.

Affordability

With digital printing technology now established, equipment has become quite cost effective and base models are now fairly user friendly. As a result of this, Wide Format (up to 2500mm wide) print has been gradually adopted by signage and traditional screen print businesses across the globe. In more recent times, Grand Format Digital Print (over 2500mm wide) has also increased in popularity, primarily due to the fact that it is slowly becoming more affordable.

Printing substrates have also gradually evolved to the point where they can now offer affordable, longer warranted products designed specifically to partner with the different printer technologies. Additionally, there are now many direct substrate manufacturer relationships for digital print companies which allows direct input into material formulation and performance. That said, cheaper prices need to be assessed with performance requirements. CV boasts a well-equipped, state of the art digital printing department which can deliver time and cost-effective solutions across a variety of substrates.

Effectiveness

If used correctly, digital print has the capability to completely transform your business’s physical environment. On the one hand, it can be used as a vibrant marketing tool that lets your consumers know what the brand is all about. Alternatively, print can serve to help your business improve its internal communications – research suggests that a visually creative work environment can motivate and inspire staff.

Flexibility

At CV Media & Signage, we offer high quality wide and grand format prints on a range of media such as self-adhesive vinyls, banners, acrylic, PVC, timber, aluminium, steel, and paper. As a result of this, there is rarely a sign that we cannot make; our premium resources and notable partnerships with global machine and substrate manufacturers mean that we are comfortable turning almost any conceptual idea into a reality.

If you feel as though a digital print solution would be right for your business, do not hesitate to contact CV Media & Signage.

Signage is a vital necessity for any modern business – when used correctly, it becomes an exceptionally effective advertising medium, conveying your brand’s essence to consumers. Research indicates that nearly 76% of consumers have been drawn into stores solely due to the prominence of a strong signage solution. 

However, many Australian businesses are still not fully aware that, in many instances, a proactive approach to installing signs without the correct approvals may mean you are infringing on local regulations, potentially leading to fines and or forcible removal of your signage.

While the benefits stemming from business signage are well-documented, navigating the pathway to obtaining the legally correct advertising sign and associated permits can often be shrouded in confusion. 

So if you are wondering how to get a signage permit, this article is for you. It will outline the fundamental steps for successfully securing a signage permit, aligning your signs with the prescribed local council and building regulations.

Legality of your Proposed Sign

First and foremost, it is important to ascertain the legality of your proposed business signage. While the intricate framework of signage laws may slightly vary from state to state, the foundational principles are generally uncomplicated and accessible to all.

It is highly recommended to refer to your local council’s website, which often will provide you with comprehensive insights into prohibited advertising devices within the designated residential zones and commercial areas.

Unsure of which local council you need to consult? Click your state below and search your address to find the correct council.

• VIC
• NSW
• QLD
• WA
• NT
• SA
• TAS

Land Zoning – the Sign Permit Loophole?

The next pivotal hurdle revolves around land use and zoning regulations. Should the prospective advertising sign find its home upon land that you personally own, typically (not always), the stringent requirement of permit approval can be mitigated.

Similarly, if your business operates within a leased property, you may also avoid the need for council permits – provided that your lease agreement explicitly sanctions the installation of advertising signs for the duration of your occupancy.

If you are unsure about whether or not your proposed signage on private land needs a permit, always consult with a council planning officer or the council by-laws before proceeding.

However, if the intended business signage occupies a location not bound by ownership or lease, procuring the consent of the landowner is paramount. In scenarios where the land is unallocated or state-owned, securing a permit from the local council is necessary. 

In cases where a permit is required, you will be asked to create a location plan for the council demonstrating property boundaries, building footprints, existing signage, and most importantly, your proposed advertising devices.

Whilst this process sounds relatively straightforward, it is important to remember that in order to get approval, your proposed sign must meet the council’s eligibility requirements. These can differ from state-to-state, but the majority of councils will agree that advertisements signs must:

 

Be appropriately sized

Achieve a harmonious blend by ensuring your signage is proportionate and well-integrated with its surroundings. Local council guidelines often stress visual harmony within the environment and for the best chance of approval, make sure you ensure that your signs do not boast an unreasonably dominant presence.

 

Be structurally sound

Ensure your sign is built to last and poses no threat to public safety. It must stand strong against environmental factors, meeting local building regulations.

 

Not impede or distract vehicular or pedestrian traffic

Position your sign thoughtfully to avoid obstructing or distracting pedestrians or vehicles, contributing to a smooth flow of traffic.

While specifics can differ from region to region, adhering to these standards is key to gaining approval for your business signage. Assuming that your advertising device meets the relevant regulatory criteria, you will then be required to purchase a permit in order to begin installation.

Navigating the Application Process with Ease

To simplify your journey, enlist the expertise of CV Media & Signage. Our seasoned team specialises in all things signage related (including managing the council application process on your behalf). We have completed thousands of applications before and with in-depth knowledge of regulations across the country, we ensure a seamless planning and development experience. By choosing us, you’ll enjoy:

• Professionally prepared applications
• Comprehensive compilation of necessary documents, including plans and images
• Efficient application submission and adept communication with the local council
• Skillful negotiation with planning officers

For those interested, add your details in the form below and a CV representative will get back to you, with a no-obligation quote.

Oops! We could not locate your form.

 

Remember: Council Guidelines Vary

Keep in mind that different local councils may have varying eligibility requirements for business signage. While this guide offers a comprehensive overview of obtaining a planning permit for your advertising sign, personalised insights can be gained through direct communication with a dedicated CV representative.

By embracing captivating business signage, you enhance your brand’s allure and capture the attention of your target audience – get in touch today!

The 2020/21 financial year was an incredibly busy time for CV, with the business forced to rapidly adjust its operational procedures in order to comply with the COVID-19 induced restrictions. With CV’s factory operating on all cylinders to deal with a rapidly increasing client list, the company recognised the importance of some making necessary upgrades in order to cope with previously unforeseen circumstances. This saw CV recently complete the installation of a brand-new Powder Coat booth and process within its Hendra facility. This machine will be used to deliver durable, high-quality finishes that can last over 20 years in the right conditions.

While a tremendous amount of time and capital was used to purchase this equipment, CV are confident that in the long term, the business will receive a positive ROI. This is because its ultimate purpose will be to streamline Hendra’s entire operations. In the past the business has had to outsource powder coating jobs to outside suppliers, and as a result of this, did not have complete control over its operations. With the business looking to maximise functionality, CV decided that it was appropriate to begin undertaking the powder coating process in-house. By installing this booth, the company will gain more operational control, and will therefore continue to deliver products of the highest calibre.

While this equipment will be essential in helping the business maximise efficiency, the benefits do not end there. Crucially, this new Powder Coating process will allow CV to generate additional value for future clients. With the booth being of very high quality, upcoming customers will now have a much larger range of paint finishes to choose from. Additionally, as a demonstration of our confidence, CV is offering extended warranties on all powder coated finishes.

Furthermore, this device will go a long way in ensuring that CV continues to lessen its environmental footprint – powder coatings contain no solvents and release almost no volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere.

Though CV have only had the Powder Booth for less than one month, this piece of equipment is already becoming an essential part of the Hendra facility, with our team already wondering how they ever coped without it. The business is hopeful that the addition of this booth and process will not only streamline CV’s operations, but also create value for future clients, offer extended warranties, and assist the company in becoming greener.