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If you want your business to stand out on a busy street or catch eyes inside a mall, electric signs are one of the most effective tools you can use. They work day and night, amplify brand personality, and can be tailored to nearly any size, shape, and budget. In this guide I'll walk you through top US stores that specialize in electric signage, what to look for when buying, and hands-on tips for installation and maintenance so your investment keeps attracting customers for years.
“Electric sign” covers a broad range of illuminated signage — from classic neon and LED channel letters to large-format digital displays and programmable message centers. You’ll find outdoor storefront signs, indoor wayfinding signs, menu boards for restaurants, and massive stadium screens. Different materials and lighting technologies mean different costs, visibility ranges, and maintenance needs, so knowing your use case before shopping helps you narrow the field fast.
Not all sign providers are the same. Some focus on custom design and installation across a national franchise network, others offer do-it-yourself kits and online configurators, and a few specialize in large-scale LED and digital displays for events and municipalities. Below I profile several reputable US stores and platforms where business owners commonly source electric signs.
FASTSIGNS is a nationwide franchise that’s ideal if you want an end-to-end service: design, permitting help, fabrication, and installation. They work well for small business storefronts and multi-location rollouts where consistency and professional installation matter. Expect personalized consultations, local project managers, and the ability to handle large channel letters and illuminated cabinets.
If you prefer managing design and ordering online, Signs.com is a top pick. Their configurator lets you upload logos, choose sizes, and preview mockups for LED signs, backlit banners, and lighted channel letters. They handle fabrication and ship nationwide, which makes them a good balance of customization and convenience — great for businesses that want a professional look without a full-service install.
SignWarehouse focuses on affordability and fast production, offering a large catalog of pre-made electric sign components and kits. For business owners comfortable with partial DIY installation, this store can cut costs while still delivering high-quality LED modules, transformers, and acrylic faces. They’re a solid option for budget-conscious projects or temporary signage needs.
When your project moves into the world of full-motion LED video walls or scoreboards, Daktronics is one of the leaders in the US. They specialize in commercial and municipal-grade displays that require engineering, structural considerations, and long-term service contracts. For arenas, transportation hubs, and big outdoor advertising, expect a heavier investment but stunning visual capability and durability.
For storefront and interior signs driven by LED modules, specialty vendors like LEDSignStore and other online platforms provide a wide range of options from marquee-style LED text signs to fully programmable message centers. These stores often focus on energy-efficient components and modular builds that are easy to maintain and scale.
Choosing the right supplier starts with defining what you need. Ask yourself: Do I need a local partner for permits and installation? Am I after a long-lasting, engineered sign or a quick, budget-friendly LED solution? Online retailers are great for straightforward orders and shipping, whereas franchise networks and specialty manufacturers are best when your project demands local expertise, structural engineering, or city permitting support.
Smaller signs and indoor displays can be handled by online shops or kit suppliers. If you’re installing a multi-panel exterior sign that attaches to a building facade or requires electrical upgrades, choose a company with certified installers and experience with local building codes.
Quick turnaround matters when you have a tight opening date, but don’t let speed override quality. An inexpensive LED sign might save money up front but cost more in energy and maintenance over five years. Look for warranties and energy-efficient components to lower long-term costs.
Understanding sign types helps you communicate precisely with vendors and get accurate quotes. Below are common categories and ideal use cases to guide buying decisions.
Neon gives a vintage, high-contrast glow that’s perfect for restaurants, bars, and boutique shops wanting a retro vibe. Neon can be more fragile and higher maintenance than LED, but it offers a unique aesthetic that LED may not perfectly replicate.
LED channel letters are extremely popular because they’re bright, energy-efficient, and easy to control. Backlit signs use LED arrays behind a translucent face to create a uniform glow — excellent for storefront branding and 24/7 visibility without excessive energy draw.
Digital displays are dynamic and perfect for high-traffic locations where you want to rotate messaging, run promotions, or display video. These systems often require advanced mounting, weatherproofing, and software management, so partner with a specialist for planning and installation.
Pricing varies widely based on size, materials, and complexity. Small indoor LED signs can start in the low hundreds, while custom exterior channel letters typically range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on footage and lighting. Large digital displays and engineered installations can reach tens of thousands. Include installation, electrical work, and permitting fees in your budget for a realistic total.
Consider modular designs you can expand later, choose energy-efficient LEDs to reduce operating costs, and get multiple quotes to compare fabrication versus full-service pricing. For multi-location businesses, ask about bulk or chain discounts from franchise networks or manufacturers.
Before ordering a large exterior sign, check local zoning and sign ordinances — many cities have rules about size, illumination hours, and placement. Some sign companies provide permitting assistance as part of their services, which can save you time and prevent costly revisions. If you handle permitting yourself, request precise spec sheets and engineering drawings from the fabricator.
Smaller indoor signs and lightweight LED modules are often suitable for DIY installation if you have basic electrical skills. For exterior signs, especially those mounted at heights or requiring structural attachments, professional installation is safer and usually required by code. Professional installers ensure correct wiring, weatherproofing, and secure mounting — and they can coordinate inspections with local authorities.
Work with a licensed electrician to verify load and circuit capacity. Choose LED drivers and transformers rated for outdoor use if the sign will face rain or snow. Energy-efficient LEDs reduce operating costs and generate less heat, extending the life of the sign components.
Routine maintenance extends the life of electric signs. That includes cleaning lenses, checking seals for water intrusion, inspecting LEDs and neon tubes, and replacing weathered wiring before it fails. Many suppliers offer maintenance plans or warranties; consider these if uptime is crucial for your business.
Inspect signs seasonally, especially after extreme weather. For LED signs, replacing modules in a modular design is often straightforward. For neon, work with a trained glass bender for repairs to avoid damage and ensure safe operation.
Great signage communicates quickly. Use high-contrast color combinations, readable fonts, and limit word count so people can read your sign at a glance. For illuminated signage, test visibility in different lighting conditions — what looks great at noon may not be legible at night without proper contrast and brightness tuning.
If you operate several locations, maintain consistent typography, color values, and lighting style to reinforce brand recognition. Many franchise-oriented sign providers offer templates and roll-out services to keep signage cohesive across multiple sites.
Here’s a quick mental checklist when comparing the stores mentioned above: Does the company offer permitting and installation? Can they produce engineered drawings? What warranties and service plans do they provide? Do they work with businesses of your scale and project complexity? Use this checklist to narrow the suppliers for formal quotes.
Local fabricators are often competitive for medium-sized projects where you want hands-on service and quicker site visits. National providers excel at consistency, especially for chain rollouts, and often have better access to specialized manufacturing resources. Balance local responsiveness with national expertise depending on your needs.
Before you place an order, confirm these essentials: final artwork files, materials and finish options, exact dimensions and mounting method, power requirements, lead time, installation scope, warranty terms, and any required engineering drawings. Clear expectations up front minimize surprises during installation.
Electric signs are a powerful investment for visibility, branding, and customer engagement. Whether you choose a full-service franchise for a complete design-to-install experience, an online custom sign shop for convenient ordering, or a specialty manufacturer for large-scale digital displays, the right partner depends on your budget, timeline, and project complexity. Take time to compare quotes, check warranties, and plan for permitting and maintenance — and you’ll enjoy a sign that attracts attention and pays dividends for years.
