Sidewalk signs aren’t just a way to say “we’re open” – they’re part of the experience. Whether you’re running a coffee shop, hosting a pop-up, or just want something that looks good out front, a good sign pulls people in before they even hit the door. In Ann Arbor, you’ve got a mix of options, from local makers to small-batch fabricators who ship in. It really depends on what you’re after – something sleek and minimal, something quirky, or something built to take a Michigan winter in stride.
1. Signs and Mirrors
Signs and Mirrors started out trying to make one good sign for their own studio in New York. The kind they couldn’t find anywhere – simple, clean, and mirrored. So they built it themselves. That turned into a small collection of A-frame sidewalk signs, mostly metal or acrylic, with a clear design focus: no frills, just solid construction and materials that hold up.
Their signs show up a lot outside cafes, boutiques, and event spaces. The mirror ones especially catch people’s attention – not because they’re flashy, but because they don’t look like anything else on the sidewalk. They ship across the country, so even if you’re in Ann Arbor, you can still order one. It’s not a huge catalog, but what’s there feels dialed in and made with purpose.
Key Highlights:
- Minimalist mirrored and metal A-frame signs
- Mostly stainless steel, acrylic, and black finish options
- Designed to be reusable and durable
- Popular with small shops, restaurants, and pop-ups
- Ships nationwide
Services:
- Standard and mirrored sidewalk signs
- Acrylic and brushed metal finishes
- Small-scale custom options
- Direct shipping across the U.S.
Contact Information:
- Website: signsandmirrors.com
- E-mail: info@signsandmirrors.com
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/signsandmirrors
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/signsandmirrors
- Address: 227 West 29th Street, Fl 9, New York, NY 10001
- Phone: 646-926-1534
Types of Signs You Can Purchase from Signs and Mirrors
They offer a focused collection of A-frame signs in black, mirrored, or stainless steel finishes, designed for durability and minimalist style. Whether you’re after something permanent for your storefront or a movable piece for events, there’s a small lineup of signs that gets the job done without overcomplicating it. Here are a few from their current collection.
1. Custom Insert A-Frame Sandwich Board Sign
The Custom Insert A-Frame Sandwich Board Sign is designed for people who change their signage regularly. It holds a standard-size poster board that slides in and out, no tools needed.
- Insert-based design for easy poster swaps
- Works with print shop boards (24×36″)
- Comes in brushed or mirrored stainless steel
- Lightweight but sturdy enough for most sidewalk setups
- Good for rotating promotions, menus, or pop-ups
2. Rounded Stainless Steel A-Frame Sandwich Board Sign
The Rounded Stainless Steel A-Frame Sandwich Board Sign leans more design-forward. It has a mirror finish and a curved top that gives it a softer, more polished look.
- Mirror-polished on both sides
- Rounded corners for a more finished appearance
- Can be customized or left blank
- Often used in wellness studios, salons, and retail windows
3. Textured Insert Brushed Stainless Steel Upright Sign
The Textured Insert Brushed Stainless Steel Upright Sign is a vertical sign with a removable polycarbonate insert. Unlike the folding A-frames, this one stands tall and straight, with a bit more structure.
- Brushed stainless frame with swappable insert
- Polycarbonate panel is light and durable
- Meant for both indoor and outdoor setups
- Upright format works well in front of storefronts
- Looks more permanent without being bolted down
4. Stainless Steel Leaning Wall Panel Sign
The Stainless Steel Leaning Wall Panel Sign isn’t freestanding – you prop it against a wall. It’s mostly for indoor use, especially in studios or event setups where you want something minimal but visible.
- Meant to lean, not stand on its own
- Available in both brushed and mirrored finishes
- Rubber back protects surfaces from scuffs
- Works well in clean interior spaces like clinics or galleries
- No overdesign – just clean signage that blends in
2. Signarama
Signarama Ann Arbor offers several sidewalk sign types, mostly geared toward visibility and foot traffic. Their A-frame signs are the go-to option for businesses that want something easy to move and update daily. These are typically used outside retail stores, salons, or cafés, and they also mention sign spinner boards for events or street promotion, which are more niche but still part of their sidewalk signage options.
The company treats sidewalk signs as part of a bigger sign offering, so there’s not a lot of focus on design variation or specialty materials. Most of the sidewalk signs fall under practical, mass-use formats like yard signs, real estate signs, or folding boards. If you’re looking for a local shop that can handle basic sidewalk signage with short turnaround, they’re one of the spots in Ann Arbor that offer it.
Key Highlights:
- Offers standard A-frame and yard-style signs
- Includes sign spinner boards for high-traffic visibility
- Located locally in Ann Arbor
- Sign options suited for real estate, retail, and events
- Designs focus on practicality over aesthetics
Services:
- Basic sidewalk and yard signage
- Custom branding for A-frames and curb signs
- Full-service local print and production
- Political, storefront, and promotional signage
- Design support for simple layouts
Contact Information:
- Website: signarama.com
- Twitter: x.com/SAR_AnnArbor
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/signarama-ann-arbor-mi
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/signaramaann
- Address: 4655 Washtenaw Ave Ann Arbor Michigan 48108
- Phone: 734-221-5141
3. Signs In 1 Day
Signs In 1 Day provides signage including banners, vinyl graphics, and custom prints. Their signage is meant to be flexible and easy to place in various locations – sidewalks, parking lots, or grassy areas. While they don’t dive into finishes or specialty materials, the emphasis is on utility and portability.
They sell signs in several preset sizes, and their focus is clearly on getting the job done quickly. It’s a local print shop model – you won’t find boutique or high-design signage here, but for businesses that need something fast, simple, and functional, they’ll likely get what they need.
Key Highlights:
- Offers sidewalk signs
- Products are easy to move and store
- Serves indoor and outdoor business use
- Focused on local printing and quick fulfillment
- Sign options come in standard sizes only
Services:
- Plastic sidewalk and parking lot signs
- Yard signs and outdoor displays
- File upload and order management online
- Local pickup in Ann Arbor
- Quote requests for simple signage jobs
Contact Information:
- Website: si1d.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/SignsIn1DayAnnArbor
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/signs-in-1-day
- Address: 5864 Interface Drive, Suite C Ann Arbor, MI 48103
- Phone: (734) 998-0528
4. Signs By Tomorrow Ann Arbor
Signs By Tomorrow Ann Arbor has a more varied selection when it comes to sidewalk signs. They offer A-frames, chalkboard signs, changeable letter boards, metal sidewalk signs with swappable inserts, and even wind-resistant models with weighted bases. It’s one of the few shops that splits their sidewalk sign options by function – whether you want something permanent, swappable, or wind-friendly.
They lean toward more customizable formats, and there’s a wider range of signage types compared to other providers in the area. While still built for utility, the mix of chalkboard and metal frame options gives a bit more room for personality depending on how a business wants to show up curbside.
Key Highlights:
- Multiple sidewalk sign types available
- Chalkboard and changeable letter boards included
- Wind-resistant options with flexible mounting
- Customization available across formats
- Located in Ann Arbor with walk-in support
Services:
- A-frame and portable sidewalk signs
- Reusable message boards (chalk or letter)
- Metal frames with protective inserts
- Weather-ready sign models
- Creative consulting and signage design support
Contact Information:
- Website: www.signsbytomorrow.com
- E-mail: annarbor@signsbytomorrow.com
- Address: 3965 Varsity Dr. corner of Ellsworth & Varsity, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
- Phone: 734-822-0537
5. The UPS Store
The UPS Store in Ann Arbor offers basic sidewalk sign options as part of their custom print services. Their A-frame signs are listed alongside yard signs and metal signage, which makes them more of an add-on service than a dedicated focus. Still, for businesses that need something quick and functional – like open house signs, sales alerts, or event announcements – they can set you up with a printed sidewalk sign that does the job.
The options are mostly practical: coroplast inserts, metal frames, and standard A-frame boards that you can customize in-store or online. The team also helps with basic layout or file setup if needed. This setup makes sense for smaller shops, service providers, or local events that just need something visible and easy to carry out front.
Key Highlights:
- Offers A-frame and H-frame signs for sidewalk or yard use
- Custom sign printing available in-store or online
- Located inside a plaza on South Main in Ann Arbor
- Sign options focused on short-term or recurring promotions
- Staff available for walk-in support or file setup
Services:
- Custom-printed A-frame sidewalk signs
- H-frame yard signs and real estate signage
- Coroplast and metal sign board options
- Single or double-sided print formats
- Walk-in and email-based design support
Contact Information:
- Website: www.theupsstore.com
- E-mail: store2640@theupsstore.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/theupsstore
- Twitter: x.com/theupsstore
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-ups-store
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/theupsstore
- Address: 2232 S Main, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
- Phone: (734) 662-7777
6. FASTSIGNS
FASTSIGNS Ann Arbor covers a wide range of sign types, and sidewalk signs are just one part of it. They offer A-frames and other visual tools for storefronts, outdoor events, or directional needs. It’s a print shop setup that leans into volume and flexibility, which works well for businesses that have frequent signage needs or want everything handled in one place.
Their site doesn’t break down sidewalk signs in detail, but based on their offerings, customers can likely expect typical options like portable folding signs or insert boards. They emphasize customization, so the focus here is less about a fixed product catalog and more about tailoring things to fit. It’s not boutique-style signage, but it covers the basics and beyond.
Key Highlights:
- Offers sidewalk signs as part of a larger print services lineup
- Designs tailored to business branding and zoning guidelines
- Full-service print and installation shop
- Aimed at retail, events, and directional signage
- Operates out of Washtenaw Ave in Ann Arbor
Services:
- Custom A-frame and portable sidewalk signs
- Visual branding and design setup
- On-site installation support
- Graphic design and print production
- Exterior and interior signage solutions
Contact Information:
- Website: www.fastsigns.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/FASTSIGNSAnnArbor
- Twitter: x.com/fastsigns
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/fastsigns
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/fastsigns
- Address: 3500 Washtenaw Ave, Ste J Ann Arbor, MI 48104
- Phone: (734) 627-6552
7. Staples Print & Marketing
Staples offers A-frame sidewalk signs through their print services division. The signs come in a white or black plastic frame, and include two printed inserts made of corrugated plastic. These are the standard folding signs often seen outside restaurants, retail storefronts, or service businesses. You can upload a finished design or use one of their templates to customize it before checkout.
Their sign format is simple but functional – double-sided, weather-resistant, and easy to carry using the built-in handle. There’s also an option to add sand into the base if more weight is needed. It’s a good pick for businesses that want a straightforward sign without much back and forth, especially if they’re already ordering other printed materials through Staples.
Key Highlights:
- Sells plastic A-frame sidewalk signs with inserts
- Online upload and customization with templates
- Designed for indoor or outdoor retail use
- Ships to home or business within a few business days
- Located inside Staples stores or ordered online
Services:
- Custom-printed A-frame sign packages
- Corrugated plastic inserts for reuse or swap-out
- Double-sided print with optional unique designs per side
- Delivery only (no in-store pickup for these signs)
- Print help available via store staff or online chat
Contact Information:
- Website: www.staples.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/Staples
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/staples
- Address: 2601 Jackson Ave. Ann Arbor, MI 48103
- Phone: (734) 994-6437
Conclusion
Finding a sidewalk sign in Ann Arbor isn’t hard – but figuring out which kind actually fits your space, style, or workflow? That takes a bit more thought. Most local shops offer the basics: A-frames, yard signs, and printed boards you can pop outside for daily use.
That said, if you’re looking for something a little more considered – maybe with better materials or a longer shelf life – it might be worth stepping outside the usual print-shop loop. A sign doesn’t have to just hold a message. Done right, it can set a tone before people even step through the door.
