What Is a Point of Sale Display? A Retailer Guide

Think of the last time you added a small item to your cart while waiting in line. That was likely the work of a well-placed point of sale display. These fixtures are more than just shelves; they are powerful marketing tools designed to influence decisions at the most critical moment. For retailers managing multiple locations, a consistent and effective display strategy is a game-changer. It ensures your brand message is clear, your promotions are visible, and your most important products stand out from the competition. This guide will walk you through how to design, place, and measure the success of displays that truly perform.

Key Takeaways

• Treat your display like a silent salesperson: A great display does the selling for you. Combine bold visuals, a clear and compelling message, and a design that reflects your brand to capture attention and drive action.
• Location determines success: The best design won't work if it's hidden. Place your displays in prime real estate—checkout counters, aisle end caps, and store entrances—to ensure they get seen and convert shoppers.
• Measure what matters to improve results: Don't guess if your display is working—know for sure. Track the sales lift of featured products and observe how customers interact with the fixture to gather real-world data that will make your next display even more effective.

What Is a Point-of-Sale Display?

A point-of-sale (POS) display is one of the hardest-working marketing tools in your store. It’s a custom fixture or sign placed near the checkout area—or any "point of sale"—to feature specific products. Think of the candy racks, magazine stands, or small-item bins you see while waiting in line. These displays are designed to catch a customer’s eye at the very moment they’re ready to make a purchase. The real power of a POS display is its ability to turn a routine checkout into a final sales opportunity. By showcasing new arrivals or special promotions, you can inspire last-minute additions to a customer's cart. At S-CUBE, we specialize in creating custom retail fixtures that make these moments happen.

What It Is and Why It Matters

At its core, a point-of-sale display is a strategic sales tool. It’s designed to showcase products right where transactions happen. This isn't just about adding clutter to the counter; it's a calculated move to capture attention when a customer's wallet is already out. These displays are perfect for promoting new items, advertising a special deal, or encouraging those valuable unplanned purchases. Why does this matter for your bottom line? Because a well-executed POS display can significantly increase the average transaction value. It gives you one last chance to connect with a customer before they leave, reminding them of a product they might need or introducing them to something new they’ll love. It’s a silent salesperson that works for you all day long.

Finding the Perfect Spot in Your Store

Where you place your POS display is just as important as what’s on it. The goal is to position it in a location that gets maximum visibility without disrupting the natural flow of traffic. The most effective spots are typically at the checkout counter, on the ends of aisles (known as end caps), or within other high-traffic zones of your store. Think about your store’s layout and where customers tend to pause or linger. Placing a display in these areas ensures it will be seen by the most people. And don’t forget the power of clear signage. If you’re running a seasonal promotion, make sure your display communicates that instantly. The right message in the right place can make all the difference.

Exploring the Types of POS Displays

Once you know what you want to accomplish, you can choose the right type of display to get the job done. Point-of-sale displays aren't a one-size-fits-all solution. The best choice depends on your product, your store’s layout, and your specific campaign goals. From large, attention-grabbing units to small, strategic counter-toppers, each type serves a unique purpose in guiding your customer’s journey. Let's look at some of the most common and effective options available.

Free-Standing Display Units (FSDUs)

If you want to make a big statement, Free-Standing Display Units (FSDUs) are your go-to. These are standalone structures designed to capture attention from a distance. You can place them in high-traffic areas like main aisles or store entrances to introduce new products or highlight special promotions. FSDUs work best when they feature bold graphics and a clear message. They act as a billboard within your store, drawing customers in to explore a specific product. The right custom design ensures your FSDU not only stops traffic but also aligns perfectly with your brand’s aesthetic.

Counter Displays and Shelf Talkers

Not every display needs to be massive to make an impact. Counter displays are small, compact units placed right at the checkout counter to encourage last-minute purchases. Think of items like candy, gift cards, or travel-sized products. Shelf talkers are even smaller—they’re signs that attach directly to your shelving to call out a specific item, share a key benefit, or announce a sale. Both are powerful tools for influencing decisions at the final point of purchase. They work by catching the eye exactly where customers are already focused, making them incredibly efficient for targeted promotions.

Dump Bins and Gravity-Feed Displays

For small, individually packaged, or discounted items, dump bins are a fantastic option. These large, open containers encourage customers to browse and "dig" for a deal, creating a treasure-hunt experience. They are simple, cost-effective, and great for moving a high volume of products quickly. On the other hand, gravity-feed displays offer a more organized approach. As a customer takes an item, the next one slides forward to take its place. This keeps your display looking full and neat with minimal staff effort, making it perfect for products like bottled drinks or candy bars.

Digital and Interactive Displays

To really engage modern shoppers, consider incorporating technology. Digital displays can feature videos, animations, or rotating images to tell a more dynamic product story. Interactive displays take it a step further by inviting customers to engage directly, perhaps through a touchscreen to explore product features or a QR code to access exclusive content. These tech-forward displays create a memorable experience that can significantly lift sales. The design and engineering process for these displays blends physical fixtures with digital elements to create a shopping experience that truly stands out.

What Can a POS Display Accomplish?

A well-designed point-of-sale display does more than just hold products; it actively works to shape the customer's shopping experience and guide their purchasing decisions. Think of it as your silent salesperson, strategically positioned to communicate value, create excitement, and ultimately, drive sales. From capturing a shopper's wandering eye to introducing them to their new favorite product, a POS display is a powerful tool in your retail arsenal. It’s an investment in creating a dynamic shopping environment that keeps customers engaged and encourages them to spend.

Grab Customer Attention

In a busy retail space, your products are competing for attention. A POS display cuts through the visual noise. A well-placed sign or an eye-catching display can create a sense of urgency, highlight a specific product, and command customer attention right where it matters most. This is your chance to tell a story about a new brand, a special promotion, or a key product feature. With thoughtful design and engineering, a display can transform a simple product presentation into an engaging experience that stops shoppers in their tracks and draws them in for a closer look.

Showcase New and Seasonal Products

POS displays are incredibly effective for promoting new products, special offers, or seasonal items. They give you a dedicated space to build excitement around a launch or a limited-time campaign. While most people are aware of major holidays, a custom display ensures they know your store is celebrating, signaling that you have relevant offers they shouldn't miss. This flexibility is key for keeping your store feeling fresh. Managing these campaigns across multiple locations is seamless with the right project management, ensuring a consistent and impactful message for every customer.

Drive Impulse Buys

One of the biggest strengths of a POS display is its ability to trigger impulse purchases. By placing compelling displays in high-traffic zones like checkout counters and aisle ends, you can capture shoppers' attention when they're most open to making an unplanned purchase. These placements maximize visibility and introduce customers to products they weren't originally looking for. The results speak for themselves—some brands have reported a significant sales increase after implementing POS displays. It’s a simple but powerful way to add value to the shopping trip and increase your average transaction value.

Why POS Displays Are a Win for Retailers

Beyond just holding products, point-of-sale displays are strategic assets that can have a major impact on your store’s performance. When done right, they work as silent salespeople, grabbing attention, telling your brand’s story, and ultimately encouraging customers to make a purchase. For retailers managing multiple locations, a consistent and effective display strategy can be a game-changer. These displays are a powerful way to influence customer behavior right at the moment of decision, turning a casual browser into a buyer. Let’s break down the three biggest reasons why investing in quality POS displays is a smart move for your business.

Increase Sales and Revenue

The most direct benefit of a great POS display is its ability to drive sales. These displays are incredibly effective for promoting new products, special offers, or seasonal items that you want to move quickly. By placing compelling products in high-traffic areas, you create opportunities for impulse buys that might not have happened otherwise. The data backs this up, too. Some reports show that brands using POS displays see a significant sales increase over businesses that don't. A well-designed display doesn't just present a product; it creates a compelling reason for the customer to add it to their cart right then and there, directly impacting your bottom line.

Improve Brand and Product Visibility

In a busy retail environment, standing out is everything. Custom POS displays give you a canvas to show off your brand’s personality and make your products pop. A generic shelf just can't compete with a display that uses your brand’s colors, logo, and unique messaging. This is your chance to create an experience that sticks with the customer. A well-placed, eye-catching display can create a sense of urgency, highlight a product’s best features, and enhance brand visibility across all your locations. It ensures your products are not just seen but remembered, strengthening brand recognition and loyalty over time.

Get a Cost-Effective Marketing Tool

Compared to traditional advertising channels like print or digital ads, POS displays offer fantastic value. They are a one-time investment that works for you around the clock, directly at the point of purchase. When you work with an experienced partner, you can design fixtures from strong, lasting materials that withstand the rigors of the retail floor, giving you a marketing tool that pays for itself over time. For seasonal campaigns or limited-time promotions, temporary displays made from materials like cardboard are an affordable and flexible option. They are a smarter way to allocate your marketing budget, putting your message right in front of customers who are ready to buy.

How to Design an Effective POS Display

A great point-of-sale display doesn’t just happen. It’s the result of a thoughtful design process that blends creativity with customer psychology. When you get it right, a display can stop shoppers in their tracks, tell a compelling story, and make the sale all on its own. The goal is to create a fixture that not only holds products but also actively sells them. From bold visuals to clear messaging, every element plays a part in turning a casual browser into a buyer. Let’s walk through the key components of a display that delivers results.

Use Eye-Catching Visuals

Your display’s first job is to get noticed. In a busy retail environment, you have just a few seconds to capture a customer’s attention. Use strong visuals, strategic lighting, and a smart color palette to stand out. An effective display taps into consumer psychology; as retail experts at Allen Associates note, "A well-placed sign or an eye-catching display can create a sense of urgency, highlight a product's benefits, and encourage impulse purchases." Think about how your design can draw the eye and invite shoppers to come closer. The right visuals are essential for creating successful retail environments that guide customers toward a purchase without feeling overwhelming.

Craft a Clear, Compelling Message

Once you have their attention, you need to communicate value quickly. Your messaging should be concise, easy to read, and focused on the product’s key benefits. What makes this item special? Why should someone buy it right now? Use a clear headline and a few bullet points to get your point across. A strong call to action is also critical. According to Bluewater Tech, "Using the right marketing messaging and call to action at your POS can make all the difference." Simple phrases like “Limited Edition” or “New Arrival” can create urgency and drive action. Integrating this messaging is a key part of the design process from the very beginning.

Add Interactive Features

Want to make a lasting impression? Get your customers involved. Interactive elements can transform a passive shopping experience into an active one. This could be as simple as a "lift and learn" feature where picking up a product triggers a video, or as advanced as a touchscreen with more product information. As the team at Tokinomo explains, "Interactive displays can engage customers more effectively, allowing them to connect with the product and brand on a deeper level." These features make your display more memorable and give customers a reason to spend more time with your products. Integrating these elements into custom fixture programs helps create a unique and engaging brand experience.

Keep Your Design On-Brand

Your POS display is a direct reflection of your brand, so consistency is key. The colors, fonts, and overall tone should align perfectly with your brand identity. A display for a luxury skincare line will feel very different from one for a fun, budget-friendly candy brand. This consistency builds brand recognition and trust with your customers. For retailers with multiple locations, maintaining this brand integrity across all stores is vital. As Visual ID points out, using approved brand assets ensures your displays are "tailored to their location" while remaining consistent. This is especially important when managing a rollout to ensure every customer gets the same great brand experience, no matter where they shop.

Where to Place Your POS Display for Maximum Impact

You’ve designed a fantastic point-of-sale display, but its success hinges on one critical factor: location. Placing your display in the right spot ensures it gets seen by the maximum number of shoppers, turning foot traffic into sales. Think of it as real estate—location is everything. The goal is to position your products directly in the customer’s path, making it easy for them to notice, engage, and ultimately make a purchase. Let’s look at the three most effective spots in any retail store.

Target High-Traffic Areas

The most straightforward strategy is to go where the people are. Position your displays in high-traffic zones where shoppers naturally walk, like near the store entrance or at the end of a main aisle. These prominent locations guarantee visibility and expose your products to nearly every customer who walks through the door. By placing a compelling display in these busy pathways, you create an immediate touchpoint and an opportunity to introduce promotions or new items, helping you build successful retail environments that capture attention from the moment customers arrive.

Capitalize on Checkout Zones

The checkout counter is your last chance to make a sale, and it’s a goldmine for impulse buys. Customers waiting in line are a captive audience, often looking for a small, last-minute item to add to their cart. This area is perfect for smaller products, trial-size items, or special promotions. Since shoppers are already in a buying mindset with their wallets out, a well-placed counter display can easily convert a browser into a buyer. It’s a simple, effective way to increase the average transaction value with minimal effort.

Utilize End Caps and Aisle Intersections

End caps—the displays at the end of aisles—are the superstars of retail real estate. They are highly visible from multiple directions and serve as natural focal points for shoppers navigating the store. Use these prime spots to showcase new products, highlight seasonal promotions, or feature best-sellers. Because they stand apart from the main shelving, end caps signal that something special is being offered. They are a key component of effective custom fixture programs and can significantly lift product visibility and drive sales for featured items.

How Technology Is Shaping Modern POS Displays

Point-of-sale displays have come a long way from simple cardboard stands. Today, technology is transforming them into dynamic, interactive experiences that capture attention and drive sales in entirely new ways. For retailers managing multiple locations, these advancements offer powerful tools to create consistent, engaging customer experiences at scale. By integrating smart features, you can make your products more compelling and your marketing efforts more effective.

Modern displays can do more than just hold products; they can tell a story, answer questions, and even adapt to the shoppers standing in front of them. From touchscreens that act like in-store tablets to digital signs that update with the click of a button, technology is making POS displays a more strategic part of the retail environment. This shift allows you to connect with customers on a deeper level, providing them with the information and inspiration they need to make a purchase. S-CUBE’s approach to design and engineering focuses on integrating these technologies seamlessly into fixtures that are both functional and forward-thinking.

Integrating Touchscreens and AR

Interactive technology turns passive browsing into an active experience. By integrating touchscreens and augmented reality (AR), you empower customers to explore products on their own terms. Touchscreens can provide in-depth product information, showcase different colors or styles, and display customer reviews right at the point of decision. Think of it as giving your customers a dedicated expert for every product.

AR takes this a step further by helping shoppers visualize items in their own lives. For example, a customer could use an AR-enabled display to see how a piece of furniture would look in their living room. These technologies create a more engaging way to interact with products, removing uncertainty and building the confidence needed to make a purchase.

Using Movement and Sound

In a busy retail space, a static display can easily fade into the background. Adding elements of light, movement, and sound makes your POS display nearly impossible to ignore. A subtle motion, like a rotating platform or a gently lit sign, can be enough to catch a shopper’s eye from across the aisle. Some displays even use robotics to create more complex movements that highlight specific product features.

Sound can also be a powerful tool, whether it’s ambient music that sets a mood or a brief audio clip that explains a product’s benefits. When used thoughtfully, these sensory elements work together to draw customers in and hold their attention, making your products the star of the show.

Leveraging Digital Signage

For retailers with multiple locations, digital signage is a game-changer. Instead of printing and shipping new graphics for every sale or seasonal promotion, you can update your displays instantly from a central location. This flexibility allows you to stay agile, responding quickly to sales trends, inventory levels, or even local events.

Digital screens can display vibrant videos, rotating images, and real-time promotional information, keeping your messaging fresh and relevant. This dynamic approach to communication ensures your POS displays are always working their hardest. By using digital signage, you can deliver timely, targeted content that captures attention and encourages shoppers to act.

Analyzing Data for Personalization

The smartest POS displays don’t just talk; they listen. By incorporating sensors and data analytics, retailers can gather valuable insights into customer behavior. These displays can track which products are picked up most often, how long shoppers linger, and what information they interact with on a touchscreen.

This data is incredibly powerful. It allows you to personalize the shopping experience by tailoring content and promotions to what your customers are most interested in. For example, if you notice a particular product is getting a lot of attention, you can feature it more prominently. This data-driven approach to successful POS design helps you optimize your displays for maximum impact and turn casual browsers into loyal buyers.

Building a Display That Lasts

A point-of-sale display is more than just a temporary promotion; it’s an investment in your brand and a tool for driving sales. To get the most out of that investment, you need a display that’s built to withstand the rigors of a busy retail environment. A flimsy or worn-out display can detract from your products and hurt your brand image. On the other hand, a well-constructed, durable display communicates quality and continues to look great long after it’s installed.

Creating a lasting display involves making smart choices from the very beginning of the design process. It’s about selecting the right materials for the job, finding a smart balance between your budget and the quality of the final product, and considering the entire lifecycle of the display. Working with an experienced partner ensures every detail, from design and engineering to manufacturing, is handled with durability in mind. This thoughtful approach ensures your display not only captures attention but also stands the test of time.

Choose the Right Materials

The materials you choose are the foundation of your display, influencing its look, feel, lifespan, and overall cost. Cardboard is a great option for short-term, seasonal promotions, while materials like wood, metal, and acrylic offer the durability needed for more permanent fixtures. The right choice depends on your product, your brand, and the environment where the display will live. A high-end cosmetic line, for example, would feel more at home in a sleek acrylic unit than a simple cardboard stand.

Effective POS materials tap into consumer psychology. A sturdy wood display can signal craftsmanship and quality, while a polished metal fixture might convey a modern, high-tech feel. Thinking through these associations helps you create a display that not only holds your products but also reinforces your brand message and encourages customers to make a purchase.

Balance Cost with Quality

It can be tempting to cut costs on a display, but this is often a short-sighted strategy. Many common retail display mistakes happen when businesses try to cut corners, leading to displays that are ineffective or fall apart quickly. A cheap display that needs constant repairs or replacement ends up costing you more in the long run, both in money and in potential damage to your brand’s reputation. Investing in quality from the start is always the more cost-effective choice.

Finding the right balance doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. An experienced manufacturing partner can help you value-engineer your design, suggesting alternative materials or construction methods that meet your budget without compromising on quality or structural integrity. This ensures you get a durable, attractive display that delivers a strong return on your investment.

Consider Sustainable Options

In today’s market, sustainability is a major consideration for both brands and consumers. Opting for eco-friendly materials or designs isn’t just good for the planet—it’s good for business. Customers are increasingly loyal to brands that share their values, and a sustainable display can send a powerful message about your company’s commitment to environmental responsibility. This can be as simple as using recycled or reclaimed materials like bamboo or FSC-certified wood.

Beyond materials, you can also think about the display’s entire lifecycle. Designing for easy disassembly allows components to be reused or recycled once a promotion ends. A durable, high-quality display that can be used for multiple campaigns is also inherently more sustainable than a single-use alternative. By making thoughtful choices, you can create a display that is both effective and environmentally conscious.

Common POS Display Mistakes to Avoid

Don't Overcrowd the Display

One of the quickest ways to overwhelm a shopper is to overcrowd your display. When you try to showcase too many products at once, you create visual noise that makes it hard for customers to focus. Instead of drawing them in, a cluttered display can cause them to walk right by. The goal is to make shopping easy and inviting. Give your products some breathing room to let each one stand out. A clean, curated presentation suggests quality and care. When you’re in the planning phase, a thoughtful design and prototyping process can help you find the perfect balance between variety and simplicity, ensuring your display highlights your products effectively without overwhelming the senses.

Avoid Poor Maintenance and Old Graphics

Imagine walking into a store and seeing a display that’s dusty, disorganized, or has peeling, faded graphics. It immediately sends a negative message about the product and the brand. Failing to maintain your displays is a mistake that can quietly hurt your sales. A clean, well-organized, and up-to-date display shows customers you care about their experience and stand behind your products. Make upkeep a part of your team’s regular routine. A simple daily check to tidy, restock, and clean the fixture can make all the difference. Consistent quality control isn't just for manufacturing; it's essential for maintaining a successful retail environment day in and day out.

Pay Attention to Customer Behavior

A POS display doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s part of the dynamic, living environment of your store. Success isn’t just about a great design; it’s about understanding how that design functions in its real-world context. Take time to observe how shoppers interact with your displays. Do they stop and look? Do they pick up products? Or are they bypassing it completely? These behaviors offer valuable clues about what’s working and what isn’t. Your store associates are also a fantastic source of feedback. They see firsthand how customers engage with fixtures and can provide insights to help you optimize your displays for better results.

Match the Display to the Product

Choosing the wrong type of display for your products can send a confusing message to your customers. The fixture should feel like a natural extension of the product it holds and the brand it represents. A sleek, acrylic stand might be perfect for luxury cosmetics, while a rustic, wooden crate is better suited for artisanal foods. The materials, colors, and overall structure of the display should align with your product’s story and your brand’s image. When the display complements the product, it creates a cohesive and compelling presentation that feels authentic. Looking at examples of past work can give you inspiration for finding the perfect pairing for your own products.

How to Measure Your Display's Success

You’ve designed and launched a beautiful point-of-sale display. Now what? The final, and arguably most important, step is to figure out if it’s actually working. Measuring your display’s performance isn’t just about getting a final grade; it’s about gathering the insights you need to make your next campaign even more successful. By tracking the right metrics, you can understand what resonates with your customers and refine your strategy for better results every time. This process turns your display from a one-time marketing piece into a powerful tool for long-term growth.

Track Sales Performance and ROI

The most straightforward way to gauge your display's effectiveness is by looking at the numbers. Before you launch, establish a baseline by tracking sales of the featured product for a few weeks. Once the display is in place, compare the new sales figures to your baseline. Are you seeing a lift? Effective POS displays can have a significant impact; some studies show they can result in an average of a 9.2% sales increase. To get the full picture, calculate your return on investment (ROI) by comparing the total cost of the display—from design to manufacturing—against the additional profit it generated. This simple calculation will tell you if your investment paid off.

Monitor Customer Engagement

Sales data tells you what happened, but observing customer behavior tells you why. Watch how shoppers interact with your display. Do they slow down as they walk by? Do they stop to read the signage or pick up the product? This kind of direct observation provides invaluable qualitative feedback. Well-designed POS materials tap into consumer psychology, creating a sense of urgency and encouraging interaction. You can also train your floor staff to pay attention to customer comments and questions about the display. Their firsthand insights can reveal how your message is being received and whether the display is truly capturing interest.

Optimize Your Strategy Over Time

Measuring success isn’t a one-and-done task. It’s an ongoing cycle of testing, learning, and refining. Use the data you’ve collected to inform your future display strategies. For multi-location rollouts, consider A/B testing different designs, messages, or placements to see what performs best. This adaptability allows for continuous improvement based on real customer feedback and sales data. By working with a partner who understands the importance of iteration, you can create a flexible system for deploying on-brand displays that are tailored to each location. This approach ensures your custom fixture programs evolve with your customers’ preferences and consistently deliver results.

Related Articles

• How to Create a Custom POP Display That Sells
• Here’s Why Custom Point-of-Purchase Merchandising is Worth It
• What Are Point of Purchase Displays? A Simple Guide
• How Custom Point of Purchase (POP) Displays Can Change the Retail Game
• What is a POP Display? The Ultimate Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which type of POS display is right for my product? The best display is one that makes your product the hero. Think about what you're selling and what you want customers to do. If you have small, grab-and-go items, a dump bin or a counter display encourages that quick, impulse purchase. If you're launching a brand-new product line, a large free-standing unit placed in a main aisle can create the big splash you need. The key is to match the fixture's function to your product's story and your overall sales goal.

Is a custom POS display really worth the investment compared to standard shelving? Think of it this way: standard shelving is for holding inventory, while a custom display is an active marketing tool. It works to grab attention, tell a story, and drive sales in a way that a simple shelf can't. A well-designed display can introduce a new item, create a sense of urgency around a promotion, and inspire those valuable impulse buys. It’s an investment in creating a better shopping experience that directly contributes to your revenue.

How can I ensure my POS displays look consistent across all my store locations? Consistency is crucial for building a strong brand, and it all comes down to having a solid plan. Working with a partner who specializes in large-scale rollouts is the best way to ensure every display is a perfect match. The process involves creating a master design, using the same high-quality materials for every unit, and managing the manufacturing and logistics centrally. This ensures that no matter which store a customer walks into, they get the same great brand experience.

My store space is limited. Are there effective POS display options for smaller footprints? Absolutely. You don't need a huge amount of floor space to make a big impact. Counter displays are perfect for placing right next to the register to capture last-minute sales on smaller items. You can also use shelf talkers, which are small signs that attach directly to your existing shelves to highlight a specific product or promotion. These options are incredibly effective because they target areas where customers are already looking.

Can a POS display work for high-end or luxury products? Definitely. For luxury items, the display is an essential part of communicating quality and value. The key is to use premium materials and a sophisticated design that complements the product. Think sleek acrylic stands for high-end cosmetics or custom-milled wood fixtures for artisanal goods. A thoughtfully designed display enhances the perceived value of the product and creates a shopping experience that feels exclusive and special.