What Industries Benefit Most from Neon Signs

Neon signs are one of the most iconic forms of signage. From amusement parks to brewery taprooms, blinking neon has caught consumers’ attention for over 100 years. Businesses use neon signs to stand out from their competition and create unforgettable visual branding. Even today, few advertising tools can capture attention or express a brand’s personality quite like neon.

Bold colors. Distinctive glow. Custom designs. Neon signs are a versatile tool your business can use to market across industries.

That said, not every organization can (or should) make use of custom neon signs. By learning what industries benefit most from neon signs, business owners can better assess whether neon is right for their location, brand, and customers.

Why Neon Signs Are Still Going Strong

Neon signs aren’t going anywhere because they do something few other forms of advertising can: Get noticed.

Whether it’s nighttime or bustling commercial areas during the day, people will always pay attention to illuminated signs. Unlike other sign materials, neon creates a look that is hard to replicate. When used as part of your branding and logo design, neon can help your business stand out from the crowd while cultivating personality and authenticity.

And unlike other forms of advertising that require monthly investment, your neon sign will keep working around the clock once it’s installed. Many businesses use neon signage as a permanent branding element that creates a memorable landmark for customers.

This makes neon signs ideal for businesses which mainly rely on foot traffic.

Restaurants & Cafes

Arguably, the most popular application of neon signs is in restaurants, where custom neon signs are used for one big reason: Atmosphere.

The food and hospitality industry is all about catching consumers’ eyes and leaving a lasting impression. By establishing a vibe before your customers walk in the door, you can enhance their overall experience.

Whether you own a business focused on fine dining, comfort food, vintage style, or modern trends, custom neon can help convey your brand’s personality.

Restaurants commonly use neon signage to highlight:

Business Name
Open Signs
Drinks/Menus
Bar Areas
Photo Opportunities

In crowded dining areas, vibrant neon signage can help your business stand out and attract foot traffic.

Bars, Breweries, and Nightlife Attractions

Nightclubs, bars, and entertainment venues love neon signs. It doesn’t get much more compatible than pairing bright neon with nighttime entertainment.

Whether you hang your custom neon sign behind a bar, in a window, or on your exterior-facing wall, neon helps set the tone and invites patrons inside.

Customers of breweries, sports bars, cocktail bars, live music venues, and more often rely on a business’s ambiance to decide whether to step inside. Custom neon signage can strengthen brand identity while creating a lively atmosphere that customers won’t soon forget.

At nightlife venues, many customers will take photos with your custom neon sign. This user-generated content is free advertising for your business.

Retail Stores

When it comes to advertising, retailers know they need to fight for customers’ attention. One of the quickest ways to catch shoppers’ eyes is with a custom neon sign that helps your business stand out from the storefront next to you.

Retailers of all types use neon signs to enhance their business, including:

Clothing Stores
Gift Shops
Specialty Retailers
Beauty Supply Stores
Home Décor Retailers

In addition to exterior signs, retail stores often feature neon displays inside their stores to showcase promotions, create a focal point, or develop atmosphere.

Salons and Beauty-Related Businesses

Beauty businesses know a thing or two about image. In addition to providing quality services, nail salons, hair salons, cosmetics shops, spas, and med spas utilize neon signs to develop a modern vibe that appeals to their customers.

Neon signs allow beauty businesses to express personality and build upon their visual brand identity. Many salon owners use custom neon designs inside their business to welcome clients, decorate treatment areas, or serve as photogenic backdrops.

Since beauty businesses often see clients sharing their experiences on social media, well-designed neon signs can continue to give you brand exposure long after your customers have left your location.

Hotels and Hospitality

Hotel signs, resorts, and other businesses in the hospitality industry also commonly feature neon lighting. Exterior neon signs help property owners increase visibility, while indoor neon signs can create a memorable space for guests to mingle and enjoy.

Hotel chains seldom use neon signs, making custom neon a great branding opportunity for boutique hotels to stand out from larger companies. Establishing a one-of-a-kind identity can make your property easy for travellers to recognize.

In a competitive hospitality market, memorable branding can make all the difference when attracting potential guests.

Entertainment & Event Centers

Customers who enjoy movie theatres, concert halls, arcades, bowling alleys, event spaces, and other forms of entertainment naturally gravitate toward eye-catching business signage. Businesses within the entertainment industry can use neon signs to create excitement and catch consumers’ eyes.

From a design standpoint, it makes sense that neon signs are popular within the entertainment industry. Fun, bright colors and unique designs pair perfectly with businesses meant to provide enjoyable experiences for your customers.

If done right, your sign will feel like another entertainment feature.

Automotive Businesses

The automotive industry also has a rich history with neon signs. Many auto dealerships, repair shops, detailing businesses, tire shops, and specialty retailers use illuminated signs to grab the attention of people driving past.

For businesses located off main roadways, catching the attention of passing motorists is key. A neon sign can help your business stand out from the crowd after dark and establish a classic look that your customers will recognize.

Creative & Professional Businesses

Neon signs aren’t limited to retail and hospitality businesses. Many professional businesses use custom neon signs inside their workspace to strengthen their brand.

Marketing agencies, design studios, creative professionals, and even offices often turn to neon signs to display slogans, mission statements, logos, or fun designs that reflect their company culture.

If you’re looking for a way to make your workspace more engaging while reinforcing your brand identity to employees, clients, and visitors, custom neon signage can help.

Why Neon Signs Work for So Many Businesses

Part of the reason neon signs can adapt to so many brands is their versatility. At Hayward Neon, we’ve designed custom neon signs in nearly every shape, color, and style.

When working with you to build your perfect neon sign, we consider your brand goals and who you want to reach with your custom sign. Here are some of the benefits that custom neon signs provide businesses across all industries.

Increased Visibility
Stronger Brand Recognition
Memorable Experience
Long-Lasting Value
Unique Aesthetics
Inviting Atmosphere

Businesses that depend on visibility can usually benefit from custom neon signs. No matter the industry, if your business has a brick-and-mortar location where people visit, you can probably benefit from a neon sign.

Neo-Noying Your Brand With Neon Signs

As crazy as marketing trends may come and go, one advertising medium that won’t ever die out is neon signs. Industries that benefit most from neon signs can catch consumers’ eyes as few other sign designs do.

At Hayward Neon, we want to work with you to build the perfect neon sign for your brand. Whether you need a sign for a new business, want to upgrade your current branding, or want a sign that’ll stand out from your competition, we’re here to help.