THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 31, 1994 TAG: 9407290264
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Short : 37 lines
Signs on stores not only benefit businesses. They also help customers looking for a particular store or office.
Yet, when new business owners want to put up a sign to show customers where they are, the city often seems more inclined to say no than to say yes. Unfortunately, the city can control small merchants while many large chains defy the regulations.
There's no argument that signs should be controlled. Otherwise, they get bigger and uglier and do nobody any good. But no business can succeed if people can't find it.
Small businesses have little, if any, money to advertise on a regular basis. They must depend on signs at their businesses to remind the public that they are there.
Unfortunately, most people in decision-making positions with the city - both paid staff and volunteer boards - have little, if any, experience with small businesses. Sometimes the enforcement of sign laws is too vigorous on small shopkeepers.
Although we want to control the appearance of the city as much as possible, we are not doing anyone any favors by having sign regulations that prohibit displays that could make a difference in the success or failure of a business.
The quality of a business ultimately determines success. But, no matter how good it is, it's not good if people can't find it. by CNB