How to Design POP Displays That Actually Sell

So much of in-store shopping is driven by impulse, and a well-designed fixture can be the difference between a glance and a sale. This is where the psychology behind point-of-purchase marketing comes into play. By using bold graphics, strategic placement, and a clear call to action, you can create an irresistible urge to buy. These displays tap directly into a shopper's decision-making process at the most critical point: the store itself. We'll explore the science behind why pop displays work so well and show you how to design them to influence customer behavior and increase your sales.

Key Takeaways

Start with a clear objective: Your display's primary goal—whether it's introducing a new product, clearing inventory, or capturing impulse buys—should guide every decision, from its size and location to the materials you choose.
Align your budget with the display's lifespan: A short-term, seasonal promotion is perfect for cost-effective materials like cardboard, while a permanent fixture for a core product justifies a larger investment in durable materials like wood or metal.
Look beyond the launch to measure success: A display's performance is revealed in the data. Track sales lift, observe how customers interact with the fixture, and A/B test different designs to prove your ROI and gather insights for your next project.

What is a POP Display (and Why Does It Work)?

Let's start with the basics. A POP (Point-of-Purchase) display is any marketing material or fixture placed next to the merchandise it’s promoting. Think of the special cardboard stand showcasing a new soda flavor at the end of an aisle or the sleek acrylic holder with premium lipsticks right by the register. These aren't just shelves; they're carefully crafted sales tools designed to grab a shopper's attention and encourage them to buy a specific item. They work because they interrupt a customer's routine, presenting a product in a new and compelling way right at the moment they're ready to make a purchase.

POP displays are a core part of a successful in-store marketing strategy. They can introduce new products, announce a limited-time sale, or simply tell your brand’s story in a visually engaging format. When done right, they do more than just hold products—they create an experience that can turn a casual browser into a buyer. According to the Harvard Business Review, these displays are often more cost-effective than traditional advertising like print ads or commercials. That's because they influence decisions at the most critical point in the sales funnel: the store itself. A great custom retail fixture program understands how to use POP displays to move products and build brand awareness simultaneously.

How POP displays guide the customer journey

A well-placed POP display acts as a silent salesperson, guiding customers along their shopping journey. It catches their eye from across the store, introduces them to a product they might have otherwise missed, and quickly communicates its key benefits. Instead of letting your new item get lost on a crowded shelf, a custom display gives it a stage to shine. This is your chance to answer a customer's questions before they even ask them. A thoughtful design and engineering process ensures your display not only looks great but also effectively educates shoppers and helps them decide to make a purchase before they even reach the checkout line.

The psychology behind the impulse buy

So much of in-store shopping is driven by impulse, and POP displays are designed to tap directly into that psychology. Their entire purpose is to make your products stand out and create an irresistible urge to buy. By using bold graphics, strategic lighting, and a clear call to action, you can trigger an emotional response that leads to an unplanned purchase. These displays make buying feel easy and exciting, whether it’s a special promotion or a "treat yourself" moment. They are a powerful tool for influencing what customers buy because they present the right offer to the right person at the perfect time—when their wallet is already out.

Explore Your POP Display Options

Once you understand the power of point-of-purchase displays, the next step is choosing the right format for your product, store layout, and campaign goals. The best choice isn't always the biggest or brightest; it's the one that aligns perfectly with your strategy. Are you trying to move clearance items quickly, introduce a luxury product, or simply capture a few more last-minute sales at the register? Each objective calls for a different type of display.

Thinking through your options is a critical part of the design and prototyping process. The type of display you choose will influence everything from material selection and budget to where it can be placed in a store. Let's break down the most common types of POP displays and where they shine, so you can make an informed decision that gets results. From large, attention-grabbing floor units to small, strategic countertop signs, there’s a solution for every retail challenge.

Floor displays: Command attention

When you need to make a big statement, floor displays are your heavy hitters. These freestanding units are impossible to ignore and can be designed in countless shapes and sizes to fit your specific products. Think of large, structured displays introducing a new line of electronics or fun, themed dump bins filled with seasonal candy. Because they stand alone, they create a dedicated shopping destination within the store, drawing customers in from the main aisles. They are perfect for high-traffic areas where you want to feature a new product, run a major promotion, or group complementary items together. Take a look at our work to see how versatile these displays can be.

Countertop displays: Spark impulse buys

These small but mighty displays are all about capturing that last-minute sale. Placed directly on checkout counters, service desks, or other flat surfaces, countertop displays target customers when their wallets are already out. They are ideal for smaller items that people often buy on a whim, like gift cards, lip balm, batteries, or snacks. The key is convenience and visibility. By presenting a simple, compelling offer at the final point of transaction, you make it incredibly easy for a shopper to add one more item to their purchase without a second thought. They are a low-effort, high-reward tool for increasing the average transaction value.

End caps & shelf talkers: Maximize aisle impact

The ends of store aisles are prime retail real estate, and end cap displays are designed to make the most of them. These displays are highly visible and serve as billboards for your most important promotions, new arrivals, or seasonal collections. They effectively interrupt the typical shopping pattern, forcing customers to take notice as they turn the corner. To complement them, shelf talkers are smaller signs that attach directly to the shelf edge. They work to grab attention right at the point of decision, highlighting a special price, a unique feature, or a customer review to make your product stand out from the competition right next to it.

Digital displays: Create an interactive experience

Bring your marketing into the modern era with digital POP displays. Using screens to showcase videos, animations, or rotating promotions allows you to share far more information than a static sign ever could. Digital signage is a powerful tool for engaging customers, as it can deliver real-time updates and adapt to changing inventory or sales goals instantly. Imagine a display that shows a product in action, shares customer testimonials, or allows shoppers to scan a QR code for a special discount. This interactive element not only captures attention but also helps you tell a richer brand story and create a more memorable in-store experience.

What's the Budget for a POP Display?

Figuring out the budget for a point-of-purchase display is a lot like planning for any other fixture in your store—the final cost depends entirely on what you need it to do. Are you launching a seasonal product that will only be on shelves for a few weeks? Or are you creating a permanent home for a best-selling item? The price can range from a few dollars for a simple cardboard standee to thousands for a custom-built, interactive unit.

The key is to match your investment to your goal. A short-term promotional display doesn't need the same durability as a permanent fixture that will represent your brand for years. The materials, size, complexity, and quantity of your order will all play a major role in the final price tag. Understanding these variables from the start helps you set a realistic budget and ensures you get the best possible return on your investment. We’ll break down the typical cost ranges to give you a clearer picture of what to expect.

Cost-effective cardboard and temporary options

If you're planning a short-term promotion, a seasonal campaign, or a new product launch, temporary displays are your best friend. Typically made from standard cardboard or light board, these displays are designed to be budget-friendly and effective for a limited time, usually lasting between four and twelve weeks. They are perfect for grabbing attention without a major financial commitment.

Because they are lightweight and often ship flat, they also help keep distribution costs down, which is a huge plus for national rollouts. You can expect the cost for these displays to range from as low as $5 for a very simple design to around $150 for a more complex or larger unit.

Mid-range acrylic and plastic solutions

When you need something more durable than cardboard but aren't ready for a permanent fixture, semi-permanent displays are the perfect middle ground. These are built to last anywhere from three to twelve months, making them ideal for ongoing promotions or for products that have a longer lifecycle.

Materials for these displays are a step up in quality and include stronger cardboard, chipboard, plastics like acrylic, or even light metals. This added durability comes with a higher price point, generally ranging from $40 to over $300 per display. This option gives you a more polished look that can withstand more customer interaction, offering a great balance between cost and longevity.

Premium metal and custom-built displays

For your premium products or for creating a lasting brand statement, permanent displays are the way to go. Designed to last for two to five years or even longer, these fixtures are built from high-quality materials like wood, metal, acrylic, or molded plastic. They are an investment in your brand's image, communicating quality and stability to your customers.

Because these displays are meant to be a core part of your retail environment, they often involve custom design and engineering to perfectly match your brand aesthetic and product needs. The cost reflects this quality, typically ranging from $150 to $1,000 or more per unit, depending on the complexity and materials used.

Key factors that influence price

Beyond the lifespan of the display, several key factors will directly impact your budget. The two biggest drivers are the materials you choose and the complexity of the printing and graphics. As we've seen, cardboard is the most affordable option, while wood, metal, and custom plastics are at the higher end.

Display size also matters—bigger displays require more material and cost more to print and ship. Don't forget to account for the costs of shipping and assembly, which can often be more than retailers expect. Working with a partner who understands the entire project management process helps you anticipate these costs and keep your rollout on budget.

Design a POP Display That Sells

A great POP display is more than just a pretty shelf—it’s a strategic sales tool. When designed with care, it can stop shoppers in their tracks, introduce them to new products, and drive unplanned purchases. The key is to combine smart placement, on-brand materials, and compelling messaging into a single, cohesive unit. A well-executed display not only moves products but also strengthens your brand presence right on the sales floor. Let’s walk through the essential steps to create a display that truly performs.

Master placement in high-traffic zones

Where you place your display is just as important as what’s on it. The goal is to position it where it will get the most visibility and interact with the natural flow of foot traffic. Think about the customer’s journey through the store. Placing a display near the entrance, at the end of a busy aisle, or close to the checkout line can help customers notice new products and make a last-minute decision. Observe the store’s layout to identify these hotspots. A display that’s tucked away in a low-traffic corner is a missed opportunity, no matter how well-designed it is.

Select materials that match your brand and environment

The materials you choose say a lot about your brand and influence the display's longevity and cost. For short-term promotions or seasonal campaigns, corrugated cardboard is a lightweight and budget-friendly option. For a more permanent fixture that needs to withstand daily wear and tear, materials like wood, metal, or acrylic offer durability and a premium feel. The right choice depends on your product, budget, and brand identity. A cohesive domestic and international manufacturing strategy ensures you can source the best materials for your needs, whether you’re creating a temporary display or a long-lasting brand statement.

Use eye-catching graphics and clear messaging

You have only a few seconds to capture a shopper's attention, so your message needs to be clear, concise, and visually appealing. Use bold headlines, high-quality images, and a clean layout that’s easy to read from a distance. Your display’s design should align with your brand’s visual identity, using familiar colors and fonts to build recognition. Custom displays give you the freedom to tailor every detail to your product, ensuring the final result is both functional and striking. Remember to highlight the key benefit or offer—what makes this product a must-buy right now?

Partner with an expert for a flawless custom design

Bringing a display concept to life involves more than just a good idea; it requires expertise in design, engineering, and retail dynamics. An experienced partner can help you avoid common pitfalls and create a display that is not only attractive but also structurally sound and easy to restock. Professionals understand that different products require different solutions—a stand for sunglasses won't work for shoes. Working with a team that specializes in design, engineering, and prototyping ensures your vision is executed perfectly, resulting in a custom fixture that meets your goals and drives sales.

Avoid These Common POP Display Pitfalls

Even a brilliant display concept can fall flat if the execution misses the mark. Getting the details right is what separates a top-performing display from one that gets ignored. By sidestepping a few common missteps, you can ensure your investment pays off and your products get the attention they deserve. Let’s walk through the most frequent pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

Poor placement and awkward sizing

A POP display that’s too large for its designated space can obstruct aisles and overwhelm shoppers, while one that’s too small will simply disappear into the background. The goal is to find that "just right" size that commands attention without creating a clumsy obstacle. Before you commit to a design, map out exactly where it will live in the store. A thoughtful design and engineering process considers the retail environment from day one, ensuring your display fits seamlessly into the customer’s path and feels like a natural part of the shopping experience.

Overcrowded designs and confusing layouts

When it comes to POP displays, less is almost always more. A cluttered design with too much text, competing graphics, or a confusing product layout makes it hard for customers to understand your message at a glance. Your display should guide the eye to a single, clear call to action. Design your layout so customers can easily move through the area and reach your products without friction. Keep your messaging concise, use clean graphics, and make the product the hero. A well-organized display respects the shopper’s time and makes it easy for them to say "yes."

Forgetting about restocking and maintenance

An empty or messy display is a major missed opportunity. If your display is difficult for store associates to restock, it’s likely to sit empty, costing you sales. The best displays are designed with real-world logistics in mind. During the prototyping phase, test how easily products can be added and removed. Ensure the structure can hold enough inventory to last between restocks without looking bare. Great project management involves thinking through these operational details to create a fixture that works just as well on day 100 as it does on day one.

Missing the chance to engage and interact

Today’s shoppers are looking for more than just a transaction; they want an experience. A static display does its job, but an interactive one creates a memorable moment that can build a stronger brand connection. You don’t need complex technology to be effective. Engagement can be as simple as a "lift to reveal" flap, a QR code that links to a video, or a clever structural design that encourages customers to touch and feel the product. By building in a moment of discovery, you invite shoppers to spend more time with your brand and create a lasting impression.

How to Measure Your Display's Performance

You’ve invested in a beautiful, custom POP display—but is it actually working? Measuring its performance is the only way to know for sure. Moving beyond guesswork and into data-driven insights will help you refine your strategy, justify your budget, and create even more effective displays in the future. By tracking a mix of sales data, customer behavior, and overall return on investment, you can get a clear picture of what’s resonating with your shoppers and what needs a second look. This process doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require a clear plan for what you’ll measure and how you’ll use that information to make smarter decisions for your stores.

Track key sales and conversion metrics

The most direct way to measure your display’s impact is by looking at the numbers. Start with the sales lift—the increase in sales for the featured product compared to the period before the display was introduced. But don’t stop there. Your conversion rate is just as important. This metric tells you what percentage of shoppers who engaged with the display actually made a purchase. A high level of engagement with low conversions might signal that your messaging is off or the price point is a barrier. Tracking these key figures helps you understand exactly how your display is turning foot traffic into revenue and provides a solid foundation for evaluating its success.

Observe customer engagement and foot traffic

Numbers tell part of the story, but direct observation fills in the gaps. How are customers physically interacting with your display? Are they stopping to look, picking up products, or walking right by? Stationing team members to discreetly observe shopper behavior can provide invaluable qualitative feedback. Note how long people linger and what elements seem to draw their attention. These real-world insights can reveal how customers respond to everything from color choices to product placement, helping you refine future designs and prototypes to better capture interest. This is your chance to learn directly from your target audience in their natural shopping environment.

A/B test your designs to find a winner

If you operate multiple locations, you have the perfect setup for A/B testing. This involves setting up two variations of a display to see which one performs better. You could test a different headline, a new color scheme, or an alternative product layout. By running the two versions simultaneously in comparable store environments and tracking the sales data from each, you can identify which creative elements truly connect with customers. This data-backed approach removes subjectivity from your design process and allows you to systematically improve your displays over time. It’s a powerful way to ensure your custom fixture programs are optimized for maximum impact.

Calculate your ROI to guide future strategy

Ultimately, the goal of any POP display is to generate a positive return on investment (ROI). To calculate this, you’ll need to compare the total cost of the display—including design, manufacturing, and shipping—against the profit it generated through increased sales. A positive ROI confirms your investment was worthwhile, while a negative one signals that you need to adjust your strategy. Understanding the financial return from your displays is essential for planning future merchandising efforts and making informed decisions. It helps you allocate your budget effectively and build a compelling case for investing in high-quality displays that deliver measurable results.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it typically take to create a custom POP display from start to finish? The timeline really depends on the complexity of the project. A straightforward cardboard floor display for a seasonal promotion might move from concept to delivery in just a few weeks. However, a permanent fixture made from metal or wood with intricate design elements could take several months to properly design, prototype, manufacture, and roll out. The key is to plan ahead and build in time for each critical step.

My business has hundreds of locations. How do you ensure every display looks and functions the same way across all stores? Consistency at scale is all about having a rock-solid process. It starts with creating a single, approved prototype that serves as the gold standard for production. From there, a dedicated project management team oversees manufacturing to maintain quality control. We also focus on logistics, ensuring each display is packaged securely with clear assembly instructions so that store teams can set them up perfectly every time, no matter where they are.

How do I decide between a temporary cardboard display and a more permanent one made of metal or acrylic? Think about your campaign's lifespan and your overall goal. If you're running a six-week promotion for a new product, a cost-effective cardboard display is the perfect solution. But if you're creating a dedicated, long-term home for one of your best-selling items, investing in a durable metal or acrylic fixture makes more sense. It will better represent your brand's quality over time and is often more cost-effective than replacing a temporary display multiple times.

Besides just holding products, what else can a display do for my brand? A great display is a powerful storytelling tool. It acts as a physical touchpoint that can communicate your brand’s personality and values in a way a simple shelf never could. It can educate shoppers on what makes your product special, create a memorable interactive moment, or simply make the shopping experience more enjoyable. It’s your chance to build a stronger connection with customers right at the point of decision.

What's the most important first step when planning a new POP display program? Before you even think about colors or materials, you need to define your objective. What is the one thing you want this display to achieve? Are you trying to increase sales of a specific item by 20%, introduce a new product line to the market, or simply clear out old inventory? Having a single, clear goal will guide every other decision you make and keep the entire project focused and effective.

The Strategic Guide to High-Performing POP Displays