Why Floor Graphics

Ever get lost in IKEA? You are not alone. IKEA wants their stores to be mazes so shoppers stay longer until they find something they want to buy. The furniture retailer with stores in 27 states is notorious for its confusing showroom layouts. So much so, that in 2018 a fake news story went viral about a man getting arrested for putting fake graphics on the floor. The story was so believable it was picked up by a few legitimate news sites and generated over 75,000 comments. We follow directions printed on the ground.

As Print Service Providers, we can sit back and mull over the larger societal implications of this, or we can take advantage of it to provide a profitable solution: Floor Graphics.

Why Floor Graphics?
Aside from being effective for communicating information, Floor Graphics are simple, cheap, short-term, and easy to install. What’s not to like?

Simplicity
It’s a sticker on the floor. There are no real challenges around gravity like on walls and ceilings. A single person can install them very quickly, no matter what size they are. They often require strong adhesives and very tough overlaminates. Most overlaminates add a matte coating which makes color management less of an issue because the resolution is less a priority than is durability and pop.

Cheap
Floors are generally flat, which means you can use calendared vinyl. They often need stronger adhesive, so you won’t need anything repositionable or slidable. You won’t need a heat gun or special tools in most cases. They also don’t take as long as higher resolution prints which may need to be printed in high-quality modes, saving time for other projects.

Short-Term
Due to the nature of the beating they are expected to take, they will often be a short-term application. Short-term applications generate more revenue over time, which can lead to higher net profit. Floor graphics for a convention are a great example because the graphic won’t stick to the carpet well and has no more than a few weeks expected life span.

Easy to Install
Thicker graphics are always easier to install because they are easier to handle. No complex curves to deal with and floors are typically easier to clean using harsher solvents. The vast majority of installs are typically on some form of stone: tile, concrete, etc. These are easy to clean and prep with very little effort. Most overlaminates are UL-410 certified for slip resistance and have a thickness between 3 and 6 mil. Paired with a 3-mil vinyl, this combo has rigidity and isn’t likely to crease when handling.



Still Room for Creativity
Simplicity need not take away from artisanship. If you want to be creative with color and graphic design, there are clear laminates and high-quality media options as well. Safety and accessibility signage (wayfinding at IKEA, for example) are always in demand. Here at the end of 2020, we have three promising vaccines but there is still a need for social distancing and floor graphics are the best way to show people how to keep six feet from each other or guide them in a specific direction up and down aisles to avoid crowding.

Floor Graphics are a simple and easy solution for your shop. While retail traffic may be slow now, it won’t be forever, and surveys show that people want to get back out into the world. Having the supplies and know-how ready to go will position you to take advantage of the new opportunities the Spring will bring