How Charlotte Sign Studio Helped Trailside Gaming Stand Out Inside Carolina Beer Temple

A Game Store Hidden in Plain Sight

At Charlotte Sign Studio, we love creative challenges, and our recent collaboration with Trailside Gaming provided just that. Trailside Gaming isn’t your typical game shop. It operates from a unique location: tucked inside Carolina Beer Temple, a vibrant craft beer bar in downtown Matthews. This “store within a store” concept offers a relaxed, unexpected experience, but it also presented a major visibility challenge.

When Trailside Gaming first opened its doors, there was no indication from outside the bar that a retail space even existed inside. More importantly, local building codes and the material his storefront structure was a challenge as traditional vinyl signage would not stick to this surface. Inside, the storefront blended into the bar’s décor, making it difficult for patrons to realize that they could browse and purchase games just steps from where they were enjoying a drink.

Before we began the project, the storefront looked like a simple opening off to the side of the bar. We’ll be including a before photo in this post so you can see exactly how easy it was to overlook Trailside Gaming entirely.

An Owner with a Vision

Trailside Gaming had a clear objective in mind. He wanted to attract the attention of customers already inside the Beer Temple and clearly communicate that his store sold games, all while respecting the restrictions of the space. He also wanted the signage to feel consistent with Trailside’s brand identity, which focuses on adventure, exploration, and the social nature of gaming.

Designing for the Space

Our first task was to determine how best to scale and present the artwork. The goal was to create a bold, immersive graphic large enough to command attention from across the bar. At the same time, the design needed to be adaptable to the existing framing and architectural features of the storefront.

We worked closely with Trailside Gaming to upscale the original artwork for the large-format display. This required careful digital adjustments to ensure that every detail remained sharp and vibrant at full size. We also fine-tuned the color palette and contrast to ensure the graphic would pop in the dimmer, mood-lit atmosphere of the Beer Temple.

Choosing the Right Materials

Material selection played a critical role in the project’s success. While vinyl graphics are often the go-to solution for similar retail environments, this wasn’t an option for Trailside Gaming. The surfaces surrounding the storefront frame were not compatible with vinyl application, any attempt to use it would have resulted in peeling, bubbling, and an unprofessional appearance over time. Thankfully, the our team of experienced business signage experts knew this and ultimately chose a high quality ACM (Aluminum Composite Material) panel which will look great and last a very long time.

ACM panels offer a sleek, smooth finish, excellent durability, and outstanding print clarity. Just as importantly, they can be securely mounted without compromising the underlying structure of the frame, an essential consideration given the restrictions of the space.

Bringing the Concept to Life

Once we finalized the design and selected the materials, we moved into production. We printed the enhanced graphic on the ACM panel at full scale, taking care to ensure color fidelity and image sharpness throughout the process. The finished panel looked incredible in the studio, vibrant, detailed, and ready to make an impact inside the Beer Temple.

Installation day was an exciting milestone. We carefully mounted the panel onto the storefront frame, ensuring a precise, level fit and clean edges. No alterations were made to the frame itself, keeping the project fully compliant with space restrictions. The transformation was immediate and striking.

We encourage you to take a look at the after photo we’ve included below. The once-invisible storefront was now an attention-grabbing focal point. The graphic created visual intrigue and communicated Trailside Gaming’s identity at a glance, all while fitting seamlessly within the aesthetic of the Beer Temple.

Immediate Impact

The new signage had an instant effect. Customers who had previously walked past the space without a second glance were now stopping to explore. Many expressed surprise and excitement upon discovering that a game store existed inside the bar. The graphic not only captured attention, but it also became a conversation piece that enhanced the overall experience of visiting the Beer Temple.

Trailside Gaming’s owner shared that foot traffic increased noticeably following the installation. The new sign helped transform casual curiosity into real engagement and sales. It also reinforced Trailside’s branding in a way that felt authentic and inviting, a win-win for both the business and its customers.

Creative Solutions for Unique Challenges

This project is a great example of how thoughtful interior signage can make all the difference, especially in unconventional spaces. When exterior options aren’t available, interior signage becomes a vital tool for attracting attention, guiding customers, and telling your brand story.

At Charlotte Sign Studio, we love helping businesses overcome these types of challenges. Whether you’re working with code restrictions, shared spaces, or unusual architectural features, we can help you find creative solutions that deliver real results.

If your business is facing a visibility challenge, we’d love to partner with you. Reach out to Charlotte Sign Studio today and let’s explore how great signage can help your space stand out and succeed.