The holiday period is one of the busiest and most competitive times of the retail year. With shoppers searching for gifts, summer essentials, and last-minute bargains, retailers need high-visibility ways to stand out. Variable Message Signs (VMS) offer a powerful, cost-effective solution — helping businesses cut through the seasonal noise and attract more customers, both online and in-store. Read more in our latest article.
What Are VMS Signs?
VMS signs are portable, programmable LED display boards designed to capture attention with bright, bold, high-impact messaging. While commonly used for road and safety information, they are increasingly being embraced by retailers as an agile, eye-catching promotional tool — especially during peak shopping periods.
Why VMS Signs Are Ideal for Holiday Promotions
1. Reach High-Volume Holiday Traffic
Shopping precincts, beaches, tourism hotspots, and main roads experience a surge in vehicle and pedestrian traffic during the holidays. Positioned in strategic locations, VMS signs convert this increased movement into valuable customer engagement — guiding shoppers directly to your store when they’re already in buying mode.
2. Promote Time-Sensitive Sales and Events
Holiday retail is fast-moving, and VMS signs allow you to update messaging instantly to reflect new promotions, extended trading hours, or special events. Examples include:
- “CHRISTMAS SALE ON NOW – GIFTS FOR EVERYONE”
- “EXTENDED TRADING HOURS THIS WEEK”
- “BOXING DAY DEALS – TODAY ONLY!”
- “SUMMER SALE – UP TO 50% OFF”
This real-time flexibility helps create urgency, spark impulse purchases, and keep customers informed as your offers change.
3. Stand Out in a Crowded Festive Market
With digital ads and social media feeds overflowing during the holidays, physical visibility becomes more valuable than ever. VMS signs cut through the clutter with bright, eye-catching LED displays that attract attention day and night — even in busy, retail-heavy areas.
4. A Cost-Effective, High-Impact Promotion Too
VMS signs deliver exceptional value for seasonal campaigns. There are no ongoing media costs, and messaging can be changed at any time at no additional expense. For retailers operating multiple stores or pop-up locations, their portability is a major advantage — simply relocate the sign to maximise exposure across different sites.
5. Drive Online Engagement, Too
- “SHOP ONLINE – XMAS OFFERS LIVE NOW – Samson Hire”
- “FOLLOW US @samsonhire FOR SECRET DEALS”
This omnichannel approach helps bridge physical and digital traffic, capturing customers wherever they prefer to shop.
Smart EVMS Strategies for Retailers
- Use clear, concise messages: Stick to 2–3 short lines per screen to ensure readability at a glance.
- Include a strong call-to-action: Urge viewers to act — “Shop Now,” “Don’t Miss Out,” “Limited Time.”
- Update frequently: Reflect new deals or countdowns to the final day to maintain freshness and urgency.
- Place signs strategically: Outside store entrances, near traffic lights, or along access roads to retail hubs.
Whether you need to manage traffic flow, communicate speed changes and detours, or promote public messages, Samson Hire’s VMS signs deliver exceptional performance and visibility. Backed by two decades of proven expertise and reliable service, we make it easy to keep roads safe and traffic moving efficiently.
Samson Hire — is an industry leader for professional, high-visibility traffic solutions.
If you need help designing an effective message, our friendly customer service team can help, Please contact us or call us on 1800 77 88 99.
1800 77 88 99