Struggling to capture shopper attention in crowded retail stores? Your product is great, but it's getting lost on the shelf. You need a way to stand out and connect with customers at the critical moment they decide to buy.
The right Point of Purchase (POP) display1 can dramatically increase visibility and sales. From large, impossible-to-miss floor displays to small, impulse-driving counter units2, these tools are designed to interrupt the shopping journey, communicate value, and make your product the easy choice for the customer.
I've spent my career designing and manufacturing retail displays, and I've seen firsthand how a smart display strategy can transform a product's performance. It’s not just about holding products; it’s about creating an experience that stops shoppers in their tracks. We're going to break down the 15 types of displays that do this best, so you can choose the right tool for your next campaign.
Endcap Displays That Capture High-Traffic Attention
Ever noticed those displays at the very end of a store aisle? They seem to get all the attention, right? That’s because they are placed in the highest traffic areas of the store, making them impossible to ignore.
An endcap display3 is a product showcase located at the end of an aisle. Its prime placement allows it to grab shoppers' attention and highlight new products, promotions, or seasonal items. This high visibility can lead to a significant increase in exposure and sales.
To be effective, an endcap needs a strong structure and a visually appealing design. The goal is to stop shoppers as they navigate the store, so bold graphics and clear messaging are key. The display must be sturdy enough to hold the product securely while allowing for easy access for shoppers. This is where Packwins’ corrugated engineering4 expertise matters. We design endcaps that are not only eye-catching with high-quality printing5 but also structurally sound to handle the busy retail environment. We optimize the design for flat-pack shipping6 to reduce costs and ensure easy assembly for store staff. Best product categories for this display include new product launches, seasonal items, and high-margin promotional products.
Visual idea: A brightly colored corrugated endcap display3 for a new snack brand, positioned at the end of the chip aisle, featuring a large, attention-grabbing header card.
Floor-Standing POP Displays for Brand Blocking
Feeling like your brand is getting lost in a sea of competitors on the shelf? You need a way to carve out your own space and make a bold statement that shoppers can't miss. This is where brand blocking7 comes in.
A floor-standing display8 is a standalone unit placed on the retail floor, often in main aisles or open spaces. It allows a brand to create a "billboard in the aisle," effectively owning that space. By grouping your products together in a custom-branded display, you create a powerful visual block that makes your brand look more prominent and established, influencing customers to choose your product over others nearby.
The success of a floor-standing display8 hinges on its structural integrity9 and visual impact10. It needs to be strong enough to hold a significant amount of product while being attractive enough to draw shoppers in from a distance. Key considerations include the display's footprint, height, and the load-bearing capacity of its shelves. Packwins optimizes this display by engineering durable corrugated structures that can support substantial weight. Our high-quality digital and offset printing capabilities ensure your branding is vibrant and compelling. We also design these displays to be shipped flat and assembled easily in-store, which saves on shipping costs and retailer setup time. This type of display is ideal for beverage multi-packs, consumer electronics, and fast-moving consumer goods where brand presence is key.
Visual idea: A tall, corrugated floor display for a popular soda brand, featuring multiple shelves stacked high with 12-packs, creating an unmissable block of brand color in the main store aisle.
Countertop Displays That Drive Impulse Purchases
Are you missing out on last-minute sales at the checkout counter? This is a prime location where shoppers are already in a buying mindset, making it the perfect spot to encourage an unplanned purchase.
A countertop display11, also known as a CDU (Counter Display Unit), is a small display placed on checkout counters or other high-traffic surfaces. It works by showcasing small, affordable, and easy-to-grab items that customers can add to their purchase with minimal thought. The convenience and visibility of these displays are highly effective at triggering impulse buys.
An effective countertop display11 must be compact, visually appealing, and designed to make the product easy to access. It shouldn't clutter the counter but should be eye-catching enough to stand out. Structural design needs to be clever to maximize product count in a small footprint while maintaining stability. This is where Packwins excels. We design and prototype compact, yet sturdy, corrugated countertop display11s that are optimized for visibility and interaction. Our printing capabilities allow for vibrant, high-resolution graphics that make your product pop, even in a busy checkout area. We ensure the design is simple for retailers to set up and restock. Countertop displays are best for small items like candy, lip balm, gift cards, batteries, and other grab-and-go products.
Visual idea: A small, custom-shaped cardboard countertop display11 next to a cash register, filled with colorful packages of chewing gum, with a header that reads "Freshen Up Your Day!"
Pallet Displays for Bulk and Promotional Sales
Trying to move a large volume of product quickly for a promotion or seasonal push? Standard shelving won't give you the scale or visual impact10 you need to create a sense of urgency and value for bulk purchases.
A pallet display12 is a retail-ready13, floor-standing display8 designed to showcase bulk items directly on a shipping pallet. These large-format displays are typically placed in high-traffic areas like store entrances or main aisles, known as "action alleys." They influence buying decisions by creating a massive product presence that signals value and encourages shoppers to stock up.
The number one consideration for a pallet display12 is its load-bearing design. It has to be structurally engineered to hold the significant weight of bulk products safely and securely. The design also needs to allow for 360-degree shopper access and be easy for retailers to set up. Packwins’ corrugated engineering4 expertise is critical here. We specialize in high-strength corrugated designs that can handle heavy loads while still being cost-effective. We provide full-color printing on pallet skirts and headers to create a powerful brand statement. Our designs are optimized for supply chain efficiency, arriving in-store ready to be unwrapped and displayed. These are perfect for club stores and big-box retailers selling items like cases of beverages, large bags of pet food, and seasonal items like gardening soil or holiday decorations.
Visual idea: A full pallet display12 of bottled water in a warehouse club store, with a branded corrugated skirt and a large header sign advertising a multi-pack discount.
Dump Bins That Encourage Browsing and Trial
Do you have products that are oddly shaped, on clearance, or perfect for treasure-hunt-style shopping? A neat, organized shelf display might not be the best way to get customers to engage and discover these items.
A dump bin14 is a large, open-topped container, typically made of corrugated cardboard15, filled with products that are not individually stacked. They are often placed in main aisles or near checkout lanes. Dump bins encourage browsing because they invite shoppers to rummage through and discover items, creating a sense of finding a deal. This "treasure hunt" experience can lead to unplanned purchases and product trial.
A successful dump bin14 needs to be sturdy enough to hold a large quantity of loose items and designed to allow easy access for shoppers to reach in. The graphics on the outside of the bin are crucial for attracting attention and communicating the product or promotion inside. The height of the bin should be low enough for customers to see and reach the products easily. Packwins optimizes dump bin14 displays by creating structurally sound corrugated bins that can withstand constant shopper interaction. We use vibrant, high-quality printing5 to make the bin a beacon for bargain hunters. Our designs are shipped flat for cost-effective freight and can be assembled in minutes without tools, making them a favorite for retailers. Dump bins are best suited for small, individually packaged goods, clearance items, seasonal products like Halloween candy, or soft goods like socks or plush toys.
Visual idea: A colorful cardboard dump bin14 in the middle of a wide aisle, filled with discounted DVDs and video games, with a large sign that says "Everything $5!"
Shelf-Talkers That Guide Purchase Decisions at Shelf
Is your product getting lost on a crowded shelf, making it hard for shoppers to see its unique benefits or promotional price? You need a way to speak directly to the customer at the exact moment they are making a decision.
A shelf-talker16 is a small sign or tag that attaches to the edge of a retail shelf, positioned directly in front of the product it's promoting. They act as a "silent salesperson" by highlighting key information like a special price, a new feature, or an award. This helps your product stand out from competitors and gives shoppers the final piece of information they need to choose your item.
The key to an effective shelf-talker16 is clear, concise messaging and a design that grabs the eye without cluttering the shelf. The message must be instantly understandable from a few feet away. The material needs to be durable enough to withstand the aisle traffic, and the attachment mechanism must be secure yet easy for store staff to install. Packwins executes this by offering high-quality printing5 on a variety of durable materials. We can create custom shapes and sizes that align with your brand's aesthetic. Our design team ensures the message is punchy and the graphics are bold, helping your product capture that critical moment of decision. Shelf-talkers are ideal for any product category, but especially effective for highlighting sales, new items, or key product benefits in crowded categories like wine, consumer electronics, or health and beauty.
Visual idea: A bright yellow, arrow-shaped shelf-talker16 attached to a grocery store shelf, pointing to a specific brand of coffee with the text "New Richer Flavor!"
Sidekick (Power Wing) Displays for Cross-Selling
Are you looking for a way to sell more by suggesting related products to your customers? Placing complementary items next to popular products is a proven way to increase the overall transaction value.
A Sidekick, also known as a Power Wing, is a display that hangs off the side of an endcap or main aisle shelving. It's a secondary display that leverages the high traffic of a primary display. They are incredibly effective for cross-selling17 because you can place items in them that complement the products on the main shelf, prompting shoppers to make an additional purchase.
A Sidekick display must be lightweight yet strong enough to hold product securely. The design needs to be narrow to avoid obstructing the aisle, and it must attach easily and securely to various types of retail shelving. This is where Packwins' structural engineering for corrugated displays shines. We design Power Wings that are optimized for strength-to-weight ratio, ensuring they can be loaded with product and still hang safely. Our flat-pack designs are cost-effective to ship, and our retailer-friendly assembly makes in-store execution a breeze. These displays are perfect for cross-selling17 opportunities, such as placing batteries next to electronics, salad dressing next to fresh lettuce, or phone cases next to smartphones.
Visual idea: A corrugated Sidekick display hanging from an endcap of tortilla chips, filled with jars of salsa and guacamole dip, encouraging shoppers to buy everything they need for a snack.
Clip-Strip Displays for Small, Add-On Products
Do you have small, inexpensive products that are often forgotten by shoppers? If these items aren't placed in a high-visibility location, you are missing out on easy, incremental sales that can really add up.
A clip-strip18 is a simple merchandising tool, typically a strip of plastic or metal with hooks, that hangs vertically from a shelf or display. It's designed to hold small, lightweight, packaged products. Clip-strips are masters of the add-on sale. By placing them in high-traffic aisles, they present shoppers with a convenient, impulse-driven purchase opportunity for items they might not have had on their list.
The design of a clip-strip18 is all about functionality and placement. It needs to be durable enough to hold the weight of the products without bending or breaking. The spacing of the hooks must match the product packaging, and the strip itself should be easy for retailers to hang in various locations. While Packwins focuses on corrugated displays, we understand the entire retail ecosystem. We can design the master cartons and packaging that work seamlessly with clip-strip18s, ensuring your product is retail-ready13. We can also design a corrugated header card for the clip-strip18 to enhance branding and draw attention. Clip-strips are best for small, packaged goods like candy, air fresheners, chip clips, and travel-sized toiletries.
Visual idea: A clip-strip18 hanging from the shelf in the coffee aisle, holding packages of flavored syrups and sweeteners, presenting a perfect add-on purchase for coffee lovers.
Temporary Promotional Displays for Seasonal Campaigns
Running a big campaign for a holiday or a limited-time offer? You need a display solution that can make a huge impact for a short period without the cost and commitment of a permanent fixture.
Temporary promotional displays are designed for short-term use, typically for seasonal campaigns, new product launches, or special events. They are almost always made from corrugated cardboard because it is cost-effective, lightweight, and highly customizable. These displays are powerful because they can be designed with unique shapes and vibrant graphics to perfectly match the theme of the promotion, creating excitement and urgency.
For a temporary display, the key is to balance visual impact with cost-effectiveness and ease of execution. The design needs to be exciting and eye-catching, but the structure must also be easy to ship, assemble, and dispose of after the promotion ends. This is a core strength for Packwins. We excel at creating stunning, custom-shaped temporary displays using high-quality digital printing. Our structural designers ensure the displays are stable and can be assembled quickly in-store. Because they are made from cardboard, they are also eco-friendly and easy to recycle. These displays are perfect for Valentine's Day chocolates, back-to-school supplies, summer BBQ sauces, or any short-term marketing push.
Visual idea: A cardboard floor display shaped like a giant pumpkin for Halloween, filled with bags of assorted candy for trick-or-treaters.
Interactive POP Displays That Increase Engagement Time
In a world full of distractions, how do you get shoppers to stop and spend more than a few seconds with your product? You have to give them something to do, something that pulls them in and makes them part of the experience.
Interactive POP displays are designed to engage shoppers beyond just looking. They might include elements that can be touched, moved, or played with. This could be a simple lift-and-learn flap, a spinning wheel of options, or a product demonstration button. By inviting physical interaction, these displays increase the time a shopper spends with your brand, which can lead to a deeper understanding of the product and a higher likelihood of purchase.
The challenge with interactive displays is designing a structure that is both engaging and durable enough to withstand repeated use by customers. The interactive element must be intuitive and reliable. Packwins tackles this by integrating simple, effective mechanical elements into our corrugated designs. Our prototyping process is key here, as we test these displays to ensure they function correctly and can handle the rigors of the retail floor. We can incorporate features like QR codes that launch augmented reality experiences or simple mechanical parts that reveal product information. These displays are excellent for categories like toys, consumer electronics, and cosmetics, where demonstrating a feature or allowing a customer to "try" the product can close the sale.
Visual idea: A countertop display for a new line of headphones with a built-in button that, when pressed, plays a short sample of high-quality audio.
Digital-Enhanced POP Displays That Stop Shoppers
How do you cut through the visual noise of a retail store and truly stop a shopper in their path? The dynamic, bright, and moving images of a digital screen are one of the most powerful ways to command attention.
Digital-enhanced POP displays integrate a digital screen or other electronic components into a traditional corrugated display structure. This screen can play video ads, showcase product demonstrations, or display eye-catching animations. The movement and light from the screen are highly effective at capturing attention in a way that static print cannot. This can dramatically increase shopper engagement and brand recall.
The primary design consideration is seamlessly and safely integrating the electronic components into a corrugated structure. The display needs to be engineered to hold the screen securely and manage any wiring discreetly. It also needs a power source, which often means being placed near an outlet. Packwins has the engineering expertise to design corrugated displays that can house digital screens, tablets, or LED lighting. We work with technology partners to ensure the electronics are reliable, and our structural design ensures the final display is stable, safe, and visually impressive. This approach is ideal for high-value products like premium spirits, new technology gadgets, or luxury beauty products where a more sophisticated presentation can justify the investment.
Visual idea: A sleek, black corrugated floor display for a new video game console, with an integrated tablet that plays the game's trailer on a loop.
Modular Displays That Scale Across Store Formats
Your brand is sold in everything from massive superstores to small convenience stores. How do you create a consistent and effective display program when the available retail space varies so dramatically?
Modular displays are designed with interchangeable parts that can be configured in different ways to fit various retail footprints. A single kit of parts might be used to create a large floor display in one store and a smaller countertop version in another. This flexibility allows brands to maintain a consistent look and feel across different retail channels while adapting to the specific needs of each location.
The key to successful modular design is creating a system of components that are easy to reconfigure, yet still form a stable and attractive display in every variation. The connections between modules must be secure and intuitive for store staff to assemble. Packwins designs clever modular systems using corrugated cardboard. We engineer interlocking pieces that can be combined to create displays of different sizes and shapes. This approach is not only versatile but also cost-effective, as it reduces the need to design and produce completely different displays for each retail format. Modular displays are perfect for brands with a wide range of SKUs or those that sell into multiple retail channels with varying space constraints.
Visual idea: A set of interlocking corrugated cubes that can be stacked into a tall tower for a large store or arranged as a low, wide display for a smaller boutique.
Eco-Friendly Cardboard Displays That Build Brand Trust
Today's consumers, especially younger generations, care deeply about sustainability. They are more likely to support brands that share their values. How can your in-store presence reflect your commitment to the environment and win their trust?
Eco-friendly displays, made primarily from materials like corrugated cardboard, are a powerful way to signal your brand's commitment to sustainability. Cardboard is typically made from a high percentage of recycled content and is fully recyclable itself. Choosing a cardboard display over a plastic one reduces your environmental footprint and sends a clear, positive message to eco-conscious shoppers, which can build brand loyalty and trust.
The goal is to use sustainable materials without compromising on strength or visual appeal. This means selecting the right grade of recycled cardboard and using eco-friendly inks for printing. Packwins is an expert in this area. The vast majority of our displays are made from recyclable corrugated material. We can use water-based inks and design for material efficiency to minimize waste. We help brands tell their sustainability story right at the point of purchase, creating a display that is not only effective but also aligns with the values of modern consumers. These displays are a great fit for organic food brands, sustainable clothing companies, and any brand looking to connect with environmentally aware shoppers.
Visual idea: A natural-looking kraft cardboard display for a line of organic soaps, with simple one-color printing that highlights the product's natural ingredients and the display's recyclability.
Educational POP Displays That Simplify Complex Products
Is your product innovative but a little difficult to understand at first glance? If shoppers can't quickly grasp what your product does and why they need it, they are likely to move on to a simpler, more familiar option.
An educational POP display is designed to do more than just hold a product; it's designed to explain it. It uses a combination of graphics, text, and sometimes diagrams to communicate the key features and benefits of a complex or new-to-market product. By simplifying the message and presenting it in an easy-to-digest format, these displays can overcome purchase barriers and give shoppers the confidence to try something new.
Effective educational displays require a smart use of information hierarchy. The most important benefit should be instantly clear, with secondary information available for those who want to learn more. The design must guide the shopper's eye through the information in a logical sequence. Packwins works with brands to translate their product's key selling points into a clear and compelling visual story. Our high-quality printing ensures that text is legible and graphics are sharp. We can design displays with informational panels, comparison charts, or step-by-step guides to help demystify the product. These displays are essential for innovative kitchen gadgets, specialized nutritional supplements, or any product that requires a bit of explanation to be fully appreciated.
Visual idea: A floor display for a new type of water filter, with a large cutaway diagram showing how the multi-stage filtration process works and callouts highlighting the contaminants it removes.
Retail-Ready Displays That Reduce Stocking Friction
Want to make it as easy as possible for retailers to sell your product? If your display is difficult or time-consuming for store employees to set up and stock, it might end up in the back room instead of on the sales floor.
Retail-Ready Displays, also known as Retail-Ready Packaging (RRP), are designed to go from the shipping case to the retail floor with minimal handling. Often, the shipping carton itself is designed to convert into the display. This dramatically reduces the time it takes for store staff to stock the shelves, which makes retailers love your product. This efficiency ensures your product gets on the floor faster and stays in stock, which ultimately leads to more sales.
The design of a retail-ready display is a masterclass in efficiency. It must protect the product during shipping, be easy for a stocker to identify, and convert into an attractive display with a few simple steps. This requires precise structural engineering. Packwins specializes in designing RRP solutions that meet the specific requirements of major retailers like Walmart, Costco, and Target. We engineer perforation patterns that are easy to tear but don't compromise the strength of the shipper. Our designs ensure your product is both protected in transit and perfectly presented at the shelf. This is the gold standard for high-volume, fast-moving consumer goods sold in big-box retail and grocery stores.
Visual idea: A corrugated shipping case for a dozen boxes of cereal that, once the front panel is torn away along a perforation, becomes a neat, branded tray that slides directly onto the shelf.
Conclusion
POP displays only influence buying when the execution matches the intent. Cardboard and corrugated displays are the most flexible and scalable options. Brands that design with manufacturing in mind always outperform at retail. Packwins helps brands move from idea to prototype to store-ready display faster.
| Display Type | Key Shopper Benefit | Structural Requirement | Packwins Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Endcap Displays | High visibility for promotions | Stable, easy to shop from all sides | High-impact printing, retailer-friendly assembly |
| Floor-Standing Displays | Creates a strong brand presence | Durable shelving, stable base | Advanced corrugated engineering for strength |
| Countertop Displays | Encourages last-minute buys | Compact footprint, easy access | Fast prototyping for custom, small-footprint designs |
| Pallet Displays | Signals bulk value and savings | High load-bearing capacity | Expertise in engineering for heavy, bulk products |
| Dump Bins | Fun, "treasure hunt" shopping | Strong walls, accessible height | Durable construction, vibrant, attention-grabbing printing |
| Shelf-Talkers | Quick info at point of decision | Secure shelf attachment | High-resolution printing for clear, concise messaging |
| Sidekick Displays | Convenient cross-sell opportunity | Lightweight, secure mounting | Optimized strength-to-weight ratio, easy installation |
| Clip-Strip Displays | Easy add-on sales | Durable material, proper hook spacing | Design of compatible packaging and branded headers |
| Temporary Displays | Creates seasonal excitement | Easy to assemble and recycle | Custom shapes and high-quality seasonal graphics |
| Interactive Displays | Deeper product engagement | Durable for repeated use | Integration of simple, reliable interactive elements |
| Digital-Enhanced Displays | Stops shoppers with motion/light | Secure housing for electronics | Engineering expertise for safely integrating technology |
| Modular Displays | Consistent branding, any store size | Secure, easy-to-change connections | Clever interlocking designs for maximum versatility |
| Eco-Friendly Displays | Builds trust with conscious shoppers | Made from recyclable materials | Expertise in sustainable materials and eco-friendly inks |
| Educational Displays | Simplifies complex information | Clear information hierarchy | Design focused on clear communication and visual storytelling |
| Retail-Ready Displays | Ensures product gets on shelf fast | Easy-to-open, shelf-ready format | Deep knowledge of major retailers' compliance standards |
Understanding POP displays can help you leverage them to boost your product's visibility and sales in retail environments. ↩
Find out how these units can effectively encourage last-minute purchases by showcasing small, attractive items. ↩
Learn how endcap displays can capture high-traffic attention and significantly boost your product's exposure and sales. ↩
Learn about Packwins' expertise in creating durable, eye-catching displays that optimize retail space and product presentation. ↩
Understand the impact of high-quality printing on making retail displays visually appealing and effective in attracting customers. ↩
Discover how flat-pack shipping reduces costs and simplifies assembly, making it a practical choice for retailers. ↩
Learn how brand blocking can make your brand more prominent and influence customers to choose your product over competitors. ↩
Discover how floor-standing displays can help your brand stand out and dominate retail space, enhancing customer attraction. ↩
Explore the importance of structural integrity in ensuring displays can hold products securely and withstand retail environments. ↩
Understand how a strong visual impact can draw customers in and enhance the effectiveness of your retail displays. ↩
Explore how countertop displays can effectively trigger last-minute sales by showcasing small, easy-to-grab items. ↩
Find out how pallet displays can create a massive product presence, encouraging bulk purchases and boosting sales. ↩
Learn about the features that make a display retail-ready, ensuring it is easy to set up and effective in a store environment. ↩
Learn how dump bins create a treasure-hunt shopping experience, leading to unplanned purchases and product trials. ↩
Find out why corrugated cardboard is favored for its durability, cost-effectiveness, and versatility in retail display design. ↩
Understand how shelf-talkers can highlight key product information, helping your product stand out on crowded shelves. ↩
Discover strategies for using retail displays to promote complementary products and increase overall sales. ↩
Explore how clip-strips can increase sales by presenting small, impulse-driven products in high-visibility locations. ↩
