Why install a screen wall in a Dakar shop
The average customer now spends 4 to 7 seconds scanning a shop window before deciding to enter. A static window with mannequins is no longer enough, especially for technical products (telecom, appliances, design furniture). In 2026, the best-performing stores add one or more large-format screens broadcasting relevant, contextual content updated in real time.
In Dakar, the window of opportunity is wide. Most stores on Dakar Plateau, the Almadies and Sandaga have not yet made the move, or stop at a TV plugged into a USB key looping the same 2022 video. Doing better is easy and profitable.
Hardware and real Dakar costs
| Item | Price FCFA | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung 55" 4K UHD TV | 250,000 – 450,000 | Crystal UHD model, available Pikine, Sandaga |
| Samsung 65" 4K UHD TV | 450,000 – 750,000 | Sweet spot price/visibility |
| Samsung 75" 4K UHD TV | 850,000 – 1,500,000 | Premium windows or showrooms |
| Brightsign HD224 player | 280,000 (imported) | Pro reference, very reliable |
| Yodeck player (Raspberry Pi included) | 0 to 12 USD/month | Cloud, multi-screen, very simple |
| Wall mount and cabling | 35,000 – 90,000 | Wall dependent |
| Monthly content creation | 50,000 – 200,000 | If outsourced |
For a two-screen 55" setup on Yodeck plus in-house content, plan about 750,000 FCFA one-off plus 25,000 FCFA per month for content and maintenance. Standard amortisation over 24 months.
The right content, not any content
The fatal mistake is looping a generic promo video. Here is what really works:
- Live available stock — top 12 sellers with price and HD photo
- Customer testimonials — short 15-second videos, subtitled in French and Wolof
- Product walkthroughs — for technical items (cosmetics, electronics, furniture)
- Before/after — particularly powerful for jewellery, eyewear, furniture
- Promo countdowns — "only 23 units left at this price" creates urgency
- Time and weather — to keep content alive and localised
Loops should run 8 to 12 minutes max. Beyond that, staff can no longer stand it and customers notice the repetition.
Yodeck vs Brightsign: which to pick
Yodeck is cloud-based, runs on a Raspberry Pi 4, ideal for 1 to 5 screens. Free plan for 1 screen, then around 12 USD per screen per month. Strength: remote management, automatic scheduling, push updates. Weakness: relies on internet for sync (still plays locally during outages).
Brightsign is a dedicated pro player, pricier up front but more rugged, recommended for 24/7 deployments or harsh sites (high heat, vibration). No subscription, but the management UI is less modern.
Our default recommendation for a Dakar SME: Yodeck. For a hypermarket or a chain: Brightsign.
A concrete case: a Sacré-Cœur furniture showroom
High-end furniture showroom, 320 sqm, average ticket 480,000 FCFA. Before screens: 28 daily visitors, 7 quote requests, 2 conversions. After installing 3 65" screens (window, sofa zone, table zone) running on Yodeck with mixed content (testimonials, before/after, live stock):
- 28 daily visitors → 41 daily visitors (+46 %)
- Average time in store: 8 minutes → 17 minutes
- Quote requests: 7 → 14 per day
- Conversions: 2 → 4 per day
- Additional monthly revenue: roughly 28,800,000 FCFA
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The hardware investment (2.8 million FCFA) paid back in under 4 net days.
Pitfalls to avoid
First pitfall: mounting the screen too low. The minimum height should be 1.80 m from the floor to the centre of the screen, otherwise customers look down and ignore.
Second pitfall: letting content go stale. Refresh at least 30 % of the content every month, otherwise the screen wall becomes invisible to repeat customers.
Third pitfall: forgetting sound. Most stores broadcast muted, but a discreet ambient track (15 to 25 dB) lifts attention by 22 %. Mind the neighbours and staff fatigue.
Fourth pitfall: handing content creation to a designer without a sales brief. Content must serve the sale, not the aesthetics. Always validate with an experienced salesperson.
FAQ
Which screen size for which floor area?
Rule of thumb: the diagonal in inches should be at least equal to the average viewing distance in metres times 24. For a 3-metre view, target 65 to 75 inches. For outside windows, go bigger (75-86").
Do I need fibre for Yodeck?
No. Yodeck downloads content locally during updates, then plays offline. Basic 4G is enough for night syncs. Plan 5 to 10 GB per month per screen.
How to avoid power overconsumption?
Schedule automatic shutoff outside opening hours. A 65" TV draws around 120 W. Over 14 h/day, that is 1.7 kWh, roughly 250 FCFA in electricity per day. Over 30 days and 3 screens, 22,500 FCFA monthly. Negligible.
Can I monetise the screen space?
Yes, for very busy stores (>200 visitors/day). You can rent 10 to 20 % of airtime to partner brands, which funds installation and content. Observed rate: 50,000 to 150,000 FCFA per month per brand.
Let's talk?
We handle hardware sourcing, installation, monthly content creation and Yodeck maintenance. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33 or request a quote at /en/free-quote.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
