Business Services: Banner Store Program

MEGA Group USA and Randahl Ramos Studios, out of El Sobrante, CA, together created the MEGA Banner Store Program for MEGA members in 1996. Since then the program has grown to 106 plus stores in 17 states.

The program, designed to give dealers a national identity and updated selling environment, addresses the competitive needs of the independent retail store. The package includes customized MEGA interior layout, color scheme, lighting design, exterior signage and colors, (including signage on store vehicles) and expert merchandise planning strategies.

The purpose of the program is to not only identify a store as part of a national banner, but to also increase sales and profits for each individual store. "We have found that retailers are becoming keenly aware of their image and identity," said Randahl Ramos, President of Randahl Ramos Studios, "Today, they pay particular attention to shaping their store's presentation in the media. Additionally, they seek to create a unique, profitable shopping environment as part of their overall marketing strategy."

The "Profit Planning" strategy Ramos Studios incorporates in the Banner Program defines how the interior/exterior design attracts business. The strategy implements a store's traffic patterns, departmentalization, merchandising, display, color, and signing to generate increased market share and profits. All of these elements work together enhancing the customized Best Brands Plus identity.

"Colors, texture, signage, lighting, and design elements play an important role in attracting customers. We believe strongly that they should reflect the diversity of the retailer's product," said Ramos. Members are given a choice of three design phases which all reflect the same concept. Phase I is the minimum design commitment for the Banner Program.