Which Sign Suits Your Industry?
Different industries need different signs. Retailers prioritise street visibility, offices want a clean and professional look, and healthcare clinics must meet accessibility requirements. Here is a complete overview of which sign types work best for your industry.

The right sign for the right industry
A sign is not just a sign. A restaurant needs something completely different from a law firm, and a construction site has different requirements than a dental clinic. Choose the wrong sign type and you are throwing money away. Choose the right one and you have a sign working for your business around the clock.
We have produced and installed signs for hundreds of businesses across many industries. Here is an overview of what actually works, based on experience from our workshop in Sandnes.
Retail and commerce
Retailers live on foot traffic. A good shop sign does two things: it catches the attention of passers-by, and it immediately communicates what the shop sells.
Facade signs with LED letters are the most common solution for street-level retailers. Front-lit letters in the business's brand colours are clearly visible both day and night. From 20,000 NOK excl. VAT for 5-8 letters.
Projecting signs are mounted at right angles to the facade and are visible to people walking along the pavement. Particularly important in shopping streets where a shop would otherwise disappear among the crowd. Double-sided light box from 12,000 NOK.
Window film is an affordable and effective way to communicate offers, opening hours and branding without using facade space. Can easily be replaced seasonally.
A-boards and pavement signs catch the eye of pedestrians and can be moved as needed. A good supplement to permanent signage.
For retailers, the combination of a facade sign and a projecting sign is usually the best investment. Read more in our shop signs guide.
See sign solutions for retail and commerce
Restaurant and hospitality
Restaurants and hotels sell an experience. The sign should reflect the atmosphere guests encounter inside. A fine dining restaurant and a fast-food chain need completely different expressions.
LED neon and neon-inspired signs give the warm, inviting glow that many restaurants and bars are looking for. Modern LED neon uses little power and lasts a long time, without the drawbacks of real neon tubes.
Projecting signs are critically important for restaurants in side streets. A well-lit projecting sign draws guests in from the main street. From 12,000 NOK for a double-sided light box.
Menu boards and window signs with interchangeable graphics let you update seasonal menus without ordering new signs each time. A smart investment for restaurants that change their menu frequently.
Hotel reception signs in premium materials such as brushed steel or brass make a strong first impression. A 3D logo with back-lighting is popular among hotels looking for an exclusive look.
See sign solutions for restaurant and hospitality
Office and technology
Office businesses have different needs from retailers. Here it is rarely about attracting random street traffic. Instead, signage should project professionalism, make it easy for visitors to find their way, and build the brand among staff and clients.
Facade signs with halo-lit letters are the most common solution for office buildings. Light shines behind the letters onto the wall, creating a subtle, elegant effect. From 25,000 NOK.
Reception signs with a 3D logo in acrylic, aluminium or stainless steel set the tone for the entire visit. Can be supplied with integrated LED lighting. A good reception sign costs from 8,000 to 25,000 NOK depending on size and material.
Wayfinding signs and room numbering ensure that visitors, suppliers and new employees can find their way without asking at reception. Includes directional signs, floor directories and door signs.
Digital information screens integrated into the signage solution allow dynamic content such as meeting room overviews, welcome messages and internal communications.
For tech businesses, minimalist design with clean lines and back-lighting is the clear trend. Read more about office signs for reception and meeting rooms.
See sign solutions for office and technology
Healthcare and clinics
Healthcare buildings face strict requirements that most other industries do not have to consider. Universal design is not optional, it is required by law. That means signs must work for everyone, including people with visual impairments and wheelchair users.
Wayfinding signs with pictograms and tactile markings are required in public healthcare buildings and recommended in private clinics. Tactile signs have raised letters and Braille so that visually impaired people can read them by touch.
Facade signs for medical centres and dental clinics should be clear and professional without being flashy. LED-lit letters in discreet colours are a safe choice.
Department signs and room markings in line with universal design requirements make daily life easier for patients, visitors and staff. Especially important in hospitals and larger clinics with many departments.
Parking directions and visitor information reduce confusion and frustration. For healthcare buildings with limited parking, good signage is a must.
Requirements for contrast, font size and placement are regulated under TEK17 and NS 11001. We know the regulations and ensure that signs meet all requirements. Read about interior signs and wayfinding.
See sign solutions for the healthcare sector
Construction and civil engineering
The construction industry has its own signage needs that set it apart from most other industries. Signs are often temporary, but they must withstand wind and weather, and they must communicate clearly to both the public and workers.
Construction site signs are the most visible sign on any building site. Large signs on steel posts show the project name, developer, architect and contact information. Prices from 43,102 NOK excl. VAT. Calculate the price with our calculator.
Project signs for new residential developments with 3D visualisations and sales information attract potential buyers even during the construction phase. Can include QR codes linking to the project's website.
HSE signs and safety signage are required by law on all construction sites. Includes access instructions, mandatory protective equipment and emergency exits.
Facade signs for contractor offices with LED-lit letters provide visibility and a professional appearance from the main road.
For developers and contractors, the construction site sign is also marketing. Thousands of passers-by see the sign every day throughout the entire build period. Read more about facade sign prices.
See sign solutions for construction and civil engineering
Transport and logistics
Transport companies and logistics businesses need signs that are visible from a distance and work in large, open areas such as terminals, warehouses and depots.
Pylon signs along main roads are essential for businesses located along arterial roads and motorways. An illuminated pylon 2-4 metres tall gives visibility at several hundred metres distance. From 50,000 NOK.
Depot signs and terminal signage with clear zone markings make logistics operations more efficient. Includes loading zones, traffic directions and safety information.
Facade signs for transport offices should be visible from the main road, not just from the car park. LED letters in large formats are the most common solution.
Zone markings and safety signage in warehouses and distribution centres are important for maintaining safe and efficient operations. Includes floor markings, hanging signs and wall-mounted directional signs.
See sign solutions for transport and logistics
Public sector
Public buildings and institutions face the strictest signage requirements. Universal design is absolute, and signs must work for the entire population regardless of ability.
Wayfinding signs with Braille and tactile markings are required in all public buildings. Signs must have the correct contrast, font size and placement in line with current regulations.
Facade signs for municipal offices should be clear and recognisable. Public institutions often use national or municipal coats of arms in combination with the name.
Information boards for parks and recreational areas with maps, route suggestions and safety information. Produced in weather-resistant materials built for the Norwegian climate.
Project signage for public development works with authority information, timelines and contact details. Required by law for larger public construction projects.
See sign solutions for the public sector
Which sign type suits your industry?
Here is a summary of the most relevant sign types for each industry:
| Industry | Recommended sign type | Price range (excl. VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| Retail and commerce | Facade sign + projecting sign + window film | 15,000 - 60,000 NOK |
| Restaurant and hospitality | LED neon + projecting sign + menu boards | 12,000 - 50,000 NOK |
| Office and technology | Halo-lit letters + reception sign + wayfinding | 25,000 - 80,000 NOK |
| Healthcare and clinics | Tactile signs + wayfinding + facade sign | 20,000 - 70,000 NOK |
| Construction and civil engineering | Construction site signs + project signs + HSE signs | 10,000 - 100,000 NOK |
| Transport and logistics | Pylons + depot signs + zone markings | 30,000 - 120,000 NOK |
| Public sector | Universal design signs + information boards | 30,000 - 100,000 NOK |
Prices are indicative and vary with size, material and lighting. See a complete price overview for all sign types.
We deliver signs for all industries
Show Off produces and installs signs from our own workshop in Sandnes. We deliver across Norway and handle everything from site survey and design to production and installation. Regardless of industry, we start by understanding your needs, the location and the budget, then recommend the solution that delivers the best result.
Call Jan Tore on 919 22 332 or send an email to jt@showoff.no for a no-obligation quote.
Contact us | See all signs we have delivered | Read about sign maker in Stavanger and Sandnes