Trumbull, CT – The architecture/engineering/construction (AEC) market has been hard-hit by the recent economic recession. As a result, many reprographers have also suffered due to a significant reliance on this market. Reprographers are looking for ways to diversify their business into non-AEC markets to provide both revenue diversity and profitable growth. Fortunately, the retail industry presents a viable option.

In January, the National Retail Federation – the world's largest retail trade association – released its 2010 economic forecast, which projected consumer spending will continue to expand, modestly, at a 2.0-2.5 percent rate1.  Below, Océ, an international leader in digital document management, outlines how reprographers can help retailers capitalize on this positive economic indicator, while expanding their own revenue opportunities.

Understand Unique Retail Market Needs
Small, local retailers are looking for cost-effective ways to stand out from their competition and draw still-frugal customers into their stores. Attractive signage that is tailored to local market preferences, is easy to quickly update with pricing or inventory changes, and draws attention to high margin or promotional merchandise is critical. This can also influence buying behavior at the point-of-purchase (POP), turning merchandise into profit.

Reprographers are well-positioned to meet retailers' signage needs through next-generation, large format color hardware and software solutions, which can be used to create short-term disposable signage that is less expensive but still attention-grabbing.

Broaden Service Offerings to Expand Print Volumes
By expanding into short-term, retail signage offerings, reprographers can increase the return on their existing hardware investment and drive more profitable color volume through their shop.  Advanced, large format color printers can be used to produce appealing retail signage at unmatched speed and quality. Reprographers can even offer short-term outdoor options with innovative systems that produce color output that won't fade or run and can be printed on suitable outdoor media, such as Tyvek.

Unique software tools can be combined with large format print systems to create customized signage without the involvement of a highly-specialized graphic designer. This keeps production costs low and print production capacity high – ultimately leading to an increased value proposition. These software tools create templates that can easily be updated for weekly print run production, which can lead to a reoccurring revenue stream for reprographers and fast, consistent turnaround for retail customers.

As reprographers look for ways to supplement declining CAD output, the retail market holds significant opportunity. A powerful, large format hardware/software combination makes it easy to utilize existing resources for increased print volumes and a diversified revenue stream.

Oce Posterizer Software and Oce ColorWave 600 Printer in Action
Visit www.oceusa.com/POP for more information on how the unique combination of PosterizerTM software and the Océ ColorWave 600 printer gives reprographers the ability to produce short-term signage quickly and easily to achieve increased volume and profits. Also view a real-world example of how one reprographer successfully diversified its offerings with these solutions.