Print Substrates for Retail & Point of Sale: Materials That Turn Stores into Stories

Print Substrates for Retail & Point of Sale: Materials That Turn Stores into Stories image

Whether it’s a limited-time offer, a seasonal activation, or a full store refresh, the success of your visuals depends on one thing: the print substrates beneath them.

Here’s a breakdown of the most effective print media used in retail and POS (Point of Sale) — from floor to ceiling — and how to choose the right substrate for the message, environment, and install method.

Wall Graphics & Backdrops

Print substrates for digital printing in wall applications need to balance aesthetics with performance. Key options include:

Window Graphics

Retail windows are prime real estate. Common print materials include:

  • Clear or frosted window film: for elegant branding or privacy

  • Perforated film: for one-way visibility — branding outside, clarity inside

  • Static cling or repositionable adhesives: ideal for promotions and seasonal updates

Floor Graphics

From wayfinding to campaign messaging, floors are a powerful branding surface — if your print media can handle foot traffic.

  • Printable floor vinyls: coated for slip resistance and abrasion

  • Floor textiles: fabric-based, PVC-free, and ideal for events or temporary installs

  • Laminated floor film: protects prints in high-traffic zones

Hanging Signs & Posters

For ceiling drops, window hangers, or freestanding frames, you need rigid or semi-rigid substrates that look sharp and stay flat.

  • Display board & eco-display board: lightweight and recyclable

  • Polypropylene film: tear-resistant and curl-free for roll-ups or poster rails

  • Textile banners: soft signage that elevates brand presence

Repositionable & Modular Graphics

Frequent campaign swaps? Choose flexible print substrates that support magnetic or ferrous installations:

  • Ferrous film: for changeable graphics on magnetic base layers

  • Magnetic film: for modular walls and POS kits

  • Repositionable vinyl: for short-term, no-residue changeouts

Soft Signage & Retail Decor

Fabric print materials are increasingly popular in retail — thanks to their soft aesthetic and recyclability.

  • Printable textile banners: wrinkle-resistant and SEG-compatible

  • Backlit fabrics: ideal for lightboxes in retail displays

  • Stretch polyester: for framed wall systems and 3D applications

Installation Considerations

Every retail environment has unique install requirements — adhesives, certifications, and longevity all matter. Ask:

  • Will this be temporary or permanent?

  • Will staff install this in-store, or is a professional needed?

  • Does the space require flame-retardant or low-VOC certified substrates?

  • Can the material be recycled or reused after the campaign?

Choosing the right print materials for digital printing ensures your retail messaging performs well, aligns with store branding, and holds up to real-world traffic.

Final Thought

The modern retail experience is more than signage — it’s storytelling at scale. And whether your brand is all about luxury, sustainability, or speed to market, the foundation of that story starts with the right print substrates.

Because in retail print, it's not just about what you say — it’s where, how, and on what you say it.

 

Substrate Bank® is the largest independent material library of substrates for digital printing.

Our material library streamlines your search, allowing you to connect with the leading industry brands effortlessly.

Substrate Bank® 2025 - All Rights Reserved
Print Substrates for Retail & Point of Sale: Materials That Turn Stores into Stories | Substrate Bank