How do I decide on the right awning for my store?
Awnings in Commercial Spaces
Awnings in stores vary depending on their purpose. In retail shops, they are typically used to shade the storefront, protecting merchandise from sun damage. In many cases, awnings also contribute to energy savings by preventing sunlight from entering through the windows and heating the interior.
The most common shading system in retail spaces is the cassette awning, which retracts neatly when closed, leaving no visible elements.
The bar or loggia system is a more economical option, with the arms and fabric visible.
Vertical external shading systems with side guides or cables are another option, particularly useful for shops with intense sunlight — especially from the west — or small sidewalks where protruding arms could be an obstruction.
In commercial spaces, there is a wide range of aluminum colors and fabric designs available, including solid colors and stripes, matching the store’s branding.
For restaurants and cafes with outdoor seating, awnings are used for shade and rain protection. Here, as in homes, awning systems vary, with the bar system being the most common. Unlike retail storefronts, the awning can cover the entire length of the façade, and the arms are usually at their maximum extension. The fabric used should be acrylic to ensure comfortable temperatures under the awning and should be waterproof to protect against rain.
In recent years, many commercial spaces have chosen pergola awnings as the ideal shading solution. They provide sun and rain protection, are durable in all weather conditions, and offer a major advantage over arm awnings: a single system can cover up to 120 m².
Because commercial systems are operated more frequently than residential ones, motorization is recommended for ease of use. The final choice should be made in consultation with the installer to find the most suitable solution for the space. As with homes, all systems should have proper specifications, including CE certification for the product and installer qualification.
