A POP display is a ‘point of purchase’ display. Typically, POP displays are used at retail checkouts to encourage additional purchases, increasing overall basket value. 

The term is often used alongside the phrase ‘point of sale’ or ‘POS display’ because they refer to promotional materials used at the till point.

In modern retail environments, however, POP displays are placed strategically throughout stores. They may be used to highlight new products, offers or related items as shoppers browse the aisles.  

In fact, they can even be used outside outlets to draw potential customers in through the doors. By displaying a particularly attractive offer on a chalkboard, retailers can increase the number of people coming through their doors.

Again, the ambition is to increase the value of the shopper’s basket during their journey around the store. Just consider how often you see posters and aisle-end promotions while you’re on the high-street or at the supermarket. 

Types of POP display

There are lots of different types of POP display both permanent and temporary. Some of the most common formats are:

  • Free-Standing Display Units (FSDUs) These are used to arrange products in attractive settings away from other units and shelves. By standing alone, they make products more noticeable. 
  • Posters – From highlighting offers and promotional pricing to demonstrating items in use in inspirational settings, posters are one of the most common types of POP display because they can be printed and distributed quickly and simply, with no assembly required.
  • A Frames & Chalkboards – Free-standing frames can be used to hold posters and promotional messaging. Flexible and easy to assemble, they can be moved around a retail environment at a moment’s notice. Plus, they’re cost effective because they can be reused time and again.
  • Vinyl Clingers – Vinyl signs can be used anywhere from floors to windows without taking up valuable space. They use static to cling to surfaces for a strong, non-permanent hold without adhesive. They can be quickly applied and removed and placed in unusual spots to attract attention.
  • Shelf wobblers These small, light items are designed to catch the breeze and wobble as customers walk by, using movement to attract attention. They usually attach to a shelf edge, wall or a till point with light adhesive, so are simple to use.
  • Shelf talkers As the name suggests, these displays attach to shelves at a 90 degree angle in order to guide customers to a particular product or section.

For greatest success, brands use a mix of different POP displays for effect. If a shelf-talker fails to entice the customer to put an item in their basket, an FSDU might be more tempting. It always pays to have an understanding of your customers and how they navigate your shop floor to ensure you use them to maximum effect.

However, the general rule of thumb is: The more novel the display the better. If it’s unusual, it’s likely to catch attention. For instance, we’ve produced 5ft ice-cream cones for one client and dog-watering stations for another. We love coming up with creative ideas!

If you’re looking to create a POP display, but don’t know where to get started, drop us a line. We’ll help you design and produce displays your customers can’t resist.