What if you had a salesperson who could increase sales by an average of 9%? That's the power of a strategic POP display. These displays often outperform traditional ads and are masters at encouraging those valuable impulse purchases. They make the in-store experience more interactive, grabbing a customer's attention and offering a way to learn about your product independently. A great display doesn't just sit there; it actively tells your product's story right on the sales floor.
With the holidays coming up, retailers must devise ways to captivate shoppers more. In doing so, your brand can stick out amongst the rest during the busiest time of year, potentially increasing sales! With POP displays, this strategy can be much easier than you’d think. Here is how to use them and make your store pop this holiday season.
What is a POP Display?
A point-of-purchase (POP) display is a marketing tool set up inside a retail store to grab a customer's attention and influence their buying decisions. These displays are strategically placed throughout the store—on endcaps, in aisles, or as standalone units—to make specific products more visible, advertise special promotions, and reinforce your brand's identity right where it matters most. They are a powerful way to communicate directly with shoppers as they browse, turning a simple shopping trip into an interactive brand experience. Creating an effective display requires a thoughtful approach, blending creativity with a deep understanding of the retail environment.
The "Silent Salesperson" in Your Store
POP displays are often called the "silent salespeople" of the retail world, and for good reason. They work around the clock to guide customers toward featured products without needing a human associate to step in. A well-designed display can answer questions, highlight key benefits, and create a desire for a product all on its own. This is especially valuable during busy periods when your staff might be stretched thin. By presenting products in an engaging and organized way, these fixtures do the selling for you, helping to move inventory and introduce customers to new items they might have otherwise overlooked. The right design and engineering can turn a simple fixture into a compelling sales pitch.
POP vs. POS: Understanding the Key Difference
While they sound similar, point-of-purchase (POP) and point-of-sale (POS) displays serve different purposes based on their location. POP displays are found anywhere throughout the store where a customer might be making a purchasing decision—think aisle displays, endcaps, and floor stands. They are designed to introduce products and encourage consideration. In contrast, POS displays are located exclusively at the checkout counter where the final sale happens. These are your last-minute impulse buys like candy, magazines, or travel-sized items. Both are crucial, but POP displays focus on the broader journey of discovery, while POS displays target the final moments before payment.
The Impact of POP Displays by the Numbers
The effectiveness of POP displays isn't just anecdotal; the numbers speak for themselves. The global market for these displays was valued at over $11 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow significantly. More importantly, research shows that 62% of shoppers make impulse purchases in-store, and 16% of those unplanned buys are a direct result of seeing a display or promotion. This highlights a massive opportunity for retailers to influence buying behavior at the shelf. By investing in compelling displays, you can directly tap into this consumer habit and see a real impact on your sales. A look at successful custom fixture programs shows just how powerful this strategy can be.
How POP Displays Can Transform Your Retail Space
Point of Purchase (POP) displays are proven sales boosters, particularly effective in encouraging impulse purchases. On average, they can increase sales by about 9%, outperforming many traditional and digital advertising methods. POP displays enhance the in-store experience by capturing consumer attention and providing information about products in an engaging, independent manner.
Common Types of POP Displays
Not all POP displays are created equal. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, each designed for a specific purpose and lifespan within the retail environment. Understanding the different types is the first step in choosing the right display to meet your campaign goals, whether you're launching a seasonal promotion or establishing a permanent brand presence. The right choice depends on your product, budget, and the duration of your marketing initiative. Let's break down the common categories to help you identify the best fit for your store.
Categorized by Lifespan
One of the most practical ways to classify POP displays is by how long they're intended to be used. This distinction influences everything from material selection to cost and design complexity. A display for a weekend flash sale will have very different requirements than one meant to showcase a flagship product for years. Thinking about the lifespan upfront ensures you invest your resources wisely and align the display's durability with your campaign's timeline, preventing waste and maximizing impact for the intended period.
Temporary Displays
Temporary displays are the sprinters of the retail world, designed for short-term use, typically lasting from a few weeks to a couple of months. They are perfect for seasonal promotions, new product launches, or special events where you need to capture attention quickly without a long-term commitment. Often constructed from cost-effective materials like corrugated cardboard, these displays are lightweight, easy to assemble, and simple to recycle after the campaign ends. Their main advantage is the ability to be creative and timely, responding to market trends without a significant financial investment.
Semi-Permanent Displays
Sitting between temporary and permanent options, semi-permanent displays offer a balance of durability and flexibility. These are built to last for several months up to a year, making them ideal for longer marketing campaigns that don't warrant a permanent fixture. They are typically made from more robust materials than temporary displays, such as thicker cardboard, plastics like Sintra, or a combination of materials. This added strength allows them to withstand more customer interaction and hold heavier products, providing a more premium feel without the cost and commitment of a permanent installation.
Permanent Displays
Permanent displays are long-term fixtures designed to be a lasting part of your store's landscape, often for a year or more. Constructed from high-quality, durable materials like wood, metal, glass, or acrylic, they are built to endure the daily wear and tear of a busy retail environment. These displays often showcase a brand's core products or create a "store-within-a-store" experience. Because they represent a significant investment, the design and engineering process is critical to ensure they are not only beautiful and functional but also a timeless reflection of your brand identity.
Popular Formats and Examples
Beyond their lifespan, POP displays are also defined by their form and function. The format you choose will depend on your product, your goals, and where the display will be located in the store. From large, attention-grabbing units at the end of an aisle to small, subtle prompts right on the shelf, each format serves a unique purpose. Exploring these popular examples can spark ideas for how to best present your products and engage customers at that critical moment of decision.
End Cap Displays
End cap displays are prime real estate in any retail store. Positioned at the end of aisles, they command high visibility and capture significant foot traffic from multiple directions. This prominent placement makes them incredibly effective for promoting new products, highlighting special offers, or featuring seasonal items. Because they are so visible, end caps are a powerful tool for driving impulse buys and introducing shoppers to products they might have otherwise missed. A well-designed end cap can stop customers in their tracks and pull them down an aisle.
Dump Bins and Display Cases
Dump bins and display cases serve very different purposes but are both effective at showcasing products. Dump bins are large, open containers perfect for smaller, individually packaged items like candy, toys, or seasonal novelties. Their "grab-and-go" nature encourages impulse purchases and is great for clearance sales. In contrast, display cases are typically enclosed, often with glass or acrylic, to feature premium, fragile, or high-value items like jewelry, electronics, or collectibles. They offer security while presenting products in an organized, upscale manner that communicates quality and exclusivity.
Shelf Talkers and Floor Graphics
Sometimes the smallest details make the biggest difference. Shelf talkers are small signs that attach directly to a shelf edge, providing key information like pricing, special features, or customer ratings right where the product lives. They help your product stand out from competitors on a crowded shelf. Floor graphics are another powerful tool, using decals on the floor to guide customers to a specific aisle or display. They can create a path, announce a promotion, or simply add a fun, unexpected visual element to the shopping experience.
Advanced and Robotic Displays
To truly cut through the noise, some brands are turning to technology-integrated displays. Advanced and robotic displays use elements like digital screens, motion sensors, or interactive features to create a dynamic and engaging experience. Imagine a display that lights up as a customer approaches or a screen that plays a video when a product is lifted from its shelf. These high-tech solutions are excellent for capturing attention, educating consumers in a memorable way, and creating a modern, innovative brand perception that gets people talking.
Planning for a Successful POP Display Program
A successful POP display program doesn't happen by accident; it's the result of careful planning and strategic execution. Before a single piece of material is cut, it's essential to have a clear vision for what you want to achieve. This means thinking through your goals, understanding your audience, and defining the message you want to convey. A strong plan acts as a roadmap, guiding every decision from design to deployment. With decades of experience, partners like S-CUBE can provide the project management needed to ensure your vision is executed flawlessly, on time, and on budget across all your locations.
Key Questions to Ask Before You Start
To build a solid foundation for your POP display program, start by asking the right questions. First, who is your target audience, and what will resonate with them? Next, what is the single most important message you want to communicate about your product? Consider the retail environment: where is the best placement to maximize visibility and engagement? You also need to define your budget, timeline, and how you'll measure success. Answering these questions upfront will bring clarity to your project and help your design and manufacturing partners create a display that truly performs.
Best Practices for Execution
Once you have a solid plan, it's time to bring it to life. The execution phase is where your vision becomes a tangible reality, and attention to detail is key. From selecting the right materials to ensuring your brand message is crystal clear, every choice impacts the final result. Following a few best practices can help ensure your displays are not only effective but also a positive reflection of your brand's quality and character, creating a cohesive and compelling experience for every customer who walks through the door.
Using Quality Materials
The materials you choose for your POP display say a lot about your brand. Using flimsy or cheap-looking materials can inadvertently signal that your product is of low quality. Instead, opt for materials that align with your brand's image and can withstand the retail environment. Strong materials like wood, metal, and high-grade plastics not only ensure your displays are durable but also convey a sense of quality and permanence. Investing in quality manufacturing ensures your display will look great from the first day to the last day of your campaign.
Ensuring a Consistent Brand Message
Your POP display is a physical extension of your brand, so it must be consistent with your overall marketing efforts. The colors, fonts, imagery, and tone of voice should all align with your established brand identity. This consistency creates a cohesive and recognizable experience for the customer, reinforcing brand trust and recall. When a shopper sees your display, it should feel familiar and instantly connect back to your other advertising, packaging, and online presence, strengthening your message at the critical point of sale.
Keeping Displays Fresh and Updated
Even the most effective display can become invisible over time if it's left unchanged for too long. To keep customers engaged, it's important to regularly update your displays. This could mean swapping out graphics for a new season, introducing a new promotional offer, or refreshing the product assortment. Keeping your displays fresh and relevant shows that your brand is active and gives regular shoppers something new to look at. This simple practice can maintain customer interest and prevent your displays from blending into the background.
Making Your POP Display Impossible to Ignore
Standing out in retail is hard, especially considering the large amount of other competitors trying to do the same thing. Being different and engaging can take some creativity. With POP displays, you’ll be able to bring out that uniqueness in many different ways.
The Psychology Behind a Great POP Display
POP displays play a crucial role in differentiating your brand from competitors. By strategically placing these displays where foot traffic is highest, you can draw customers closer and increase the likelihood of purchases. Think beyond the standard product rack—consider creative designs that reflect your brand's personality and festive spirit.
Writing a Call to Action That Actually Works
A compelling call to action is essential in driving customer engagement. Use concise, persuasive language to guide customers toward purchasing decisions. Highlight any holiday promotions, limited-time offers, or exclusive deals available only in-store to create urgency and excitement.
Related Article: Ways to Signify the Upcoming Season in Your Store
Keep It Simple: A Minimalist Approach to Design
When it comes to design, simplicity is key. Cluttered displays can overwhelm customers and detract from the product. Focus on clean lines, clear messaging, and distinct branding elements. Remember, your display should complement your product, not overshadow it.
Creating a 'Store Within a Store' Experience
The 'store within a store' concept allows you to create a branded space within a larger retail environment. This strategy can help your brand become a destination within a broader shopping trip. Use cohesive theming and design to create an immersive experience that draws customers into your brand's world.
Should You Add Digital to Your POP Display?
Incorporating digital elements into your POP displays can enhance interactivity and engagement. Consider using digital screens to showcase product videos, customer testimonials, or even dynamic content that changes with the time of day. QR codes can also be integrated to provide easy access to additional online content or exclusive offers.
From Concept to In-Store: The Display Lifecycle
Ever wonder how a POP display goes from a simple sketch to a fixture on your sales floor? Understanding this journey is essential for planning a successful campaign. The process involves precise manufacturing, smart logistical planning, and thoughtful material selection. Each step is critical for creating a display that not only captures your brand's essence but also holds up in a busy retail environment. When you have an experienced partner managing the details, you can navigate this process smoothly, ensuring your displays are effective, on-brand, and delivered right on schedule for a multi-store rollout.
The Manufacturing and Assembly Process
Bringing a custom POP display to life is a detailed process that demands precision. It typically starts by laminating materials like cardboard or wood to create a sturdy base, which includes a high-quality printed layer for your branding and graphics. From there, specialized machinery cuts the material into the exact shapes needed for your design. The final stage involves careful assembly, where skilled workers fold and secure the pieces to construct the display’s final form. Partnering with a team that has deep expertise in both domestic and international manufacturing ensures you get a high-quality result that can withstand the retail floor and represent your brand perfectly.
Logistics: Shipping Flat vs. Pre-Assembled
Once your displays are built, the next step is getting them to your stores. You generally have two options: shipping them folded flat or pre-assembled. Shipping displays flat is often more cost-effective and saves storage space, but it does require your in-store team to handle the final assembly. On the other hand, pre-assembled displays arrive ready to go, saving valuable time for your staff. Some can even be pre-packed with products for maximum efficiency. The right choice depends on your store operations and timeline, making a solid logistics and distribution plan crucial for a seamless rollout.
Considering Sustainable Materials and Certifications
More and more, shoppers are looking at what your brand stands for, and your POP displays can reflect a commitment to sustainability. Opting for materials like recyclable cardboard, reclaimed wood, or eco-friendly inks is a powerful way to align your in-store marketing with your brand values. This choice not only helps the environment but also resonates with conscious consumers. Choosing the right materials isn't an afterthought; it's a key part of the initial design and engineering phase, where you can build sustainability into your display from the very beginning.
Potential Challenges of POP Displays
While POP displays are fantastic sales tools, they do come with a few challenges. Successfully integrating them into your retail space requires careful planning. From managing valuable floor space to keeping the displays looking fresh, being aware of potential hurdles is the best way to overcome them. By anticipating these issues, you can develop strategies to make sure your displays remain powerful assets rather than becoming logistical headaches. A proactive approach helps you get the most out of your investment and maintain a great in-store experience for your customers.
Managing Floor Space and Visual Clutter
In any retail store, every square foot is prime real estate. While POP displays are designed to attract attention, adding too many can create a cluttered environment that makes it hard for shoppers to move around. The goal is to strike a balance between visual impact and a smooth, practical store flow. This means designing displays that are eye-catching but also fit seamlessly into your store's layout. A comprehensive design strategy considers traffic patterns and sightlines from the start, ensuring your displays enhance the shopping experience, not hinder it.
The Need for Regular Maintenance
A POP display is only effective if it looks its best. A damaged, dusty, or outdated display can reflect poorly on your brand. Temporary displays, in particular, need attention to ensure they remain sturdy and appealing throughout a campaign. This is why investing in durable materials and quality construction from the outset is so important. A commitment to complete quality control during the manufacturing process results in displays that are built to last, reducing the need for constant upkeep and protecting your brand’s reputation in every location.
POP Display Inspiration from Brands Who Nailed It
Our latest white paper explores how innovative brands have successfully utilized POP displays to stand out during the holiday season. From creating visually stunning displays to implementing cutting-edge digital integrations, these examples demonstrate the power of well-executed POP strategies in driving sales.
Ready to Create Your Own Standout Display?
At S-Cube Fixtures, we specialize in creating custom POP displays and retail fixtures that bring your brand to life. Whether you’re looking to refresh your in-store presence or explore new strategies for the holiday season, our team is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your brand's success.
Our newest white paper explores the increasingly important role of POP displays in driving sales.
It's available for FREE in our eGuide library.
Updated on October 21, 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose between a temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent display? The right choice really depends on your campaign's goals and timeline. If you're promoting a seasonal item or a special offer that will only last a few months, a temporary display is a smart, cost-effective option. For a longer marketing push or a product you plan to feature for up to a year, a semi-permanent display offers more durability. If you're creating a dedicated space for a core product line, investing in a permanent fixture made from high-quality materials like wood or metal ensures it becomes a lasting part of your store's experience.
What's the single most important thing to get right in a POP display design? Clarity is everything. A customer should be able to walk by your display and understand its main message in just a few seconds. Before getting caught up in colors and materials, decide on the one thing you want to communicate. Is it a special price, a new feature, or a solution to a problem? A simple, bold design with a clear call to action will always outperform a beautiful but confusing display.
My store already feels crowded. How can I add a display without creating more clutter? This is a common challenge, and the solution is to think strategically about space and scale. You don't always need a massive floor unit. Consider displays with a smaller footprint, like slim end caps, or use vertical space to draw the eye upward. You can also use things like shelf talkers or floor graphics that add visual interest without taking up any physical room. The goal is to make the display feel like a natural and helpful part of the shopping journey, not an obstacle.
What information should I have ready before I talk to a fixture company? Coming to the conversation prepared will make the entire process much smoother and more efficient. It’s incredibly helpful to have a clear idea of your project goals, your budget, and your ideal timeline. You should also know the specifics of the product you want to feature, like its size and weight. Finally, have your brand guidelines, including logos and official colors, ready to share. The more details you can provide upfront, the better a partner can bring your vision to life.
Beyond an increase in sales, how can I tell if my display is successful? While tracking sales is the most direct measure, you can also learn a lot by simply observing shopper behavior. Are people stopping to look at the display? Are they picking up the product or interacting with any part of it? You can also get great feedback from your store associates. Ask them if customers are commenting on the display or asking more questions about the featured product. This kind of qualitative feedback tells you if your display is successfully grabbing attention and sparking interest.
Key Takeaways
- Use POP displays as your silent sales force: These fixtures work to grab customer attention, tell your product's story, and drive impulse purchases right on the sales floor, making them a crucial part of your in-store marketing strategy.
- Match the display's lifespan to your marketing goals: Opt for cost-effective temporary displays for seasonal promotions or new launches, and invest in durable, high-quality permanent fixtures to create a lasting brand statement for your core products.
- A successful rollout goes beyond a great design: Executing a display program requires a complete plan that includes quality manufacturing, smart logistics, consistent branding, and regular maintenance to ensure your fixtures are effective in every location.