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Where to Get the Best Sidewalk Signs in Ann Arbor

By Sawiara Khan·Published August 28, 2025·Latest News

Best Sidewalk Signs in Ann Arbor

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.