guide to point of purchase displays

The Ultimate Guide to Point-of-Purchase Displays: Strategies That Drive In-Store Sales

Point-of-Purchase Displays Make a Lasting Impact

Point-of-Purchase Displays, also known as POP Displays for short, can be incredibly powerful sales drivers. Brands use these custom displays to help customers navigate a new sales journey, one that increases impulse purchases and satisfies an itch that shoppers might not have even known they had. 

There’s data to back this up. Studies have shown that consumers spend thousands of dollars on impulse buys from point-of-purchase displays every year–music to the ears of anyone considering a custom display or evaluating their retail packaging. 

The bottom line is that investing in POP displays can have a serious return on investment. In this guide, we’ll take a look at how the best point-of-purchase displays help brands influence buying decisions and boost in-store sales

What Are Point-of-Purchase Displays, and Why Are They Important? 

point-of-purchase displays

Point-of-purchase displays have many names. POP Displays, point-of-sale displays, POS displays–all of these terms are used to describe a marketing fixture that is located strategically within a store, aiming to capture the attention of retail shoppers. 

The best POP displays come in many shapes and sizes. General signage, countertop displays and stands, freestanding units, floor displays, power wings and side kicks, and pallet displays make up some of the most popular options, all of which are available from our team here at Atlas Packaging. In-store environments trigger more impulse purchases than e-commerce settings, as these kinds of custom displays offer more opportunities for visual engagement and discovery. They trigger immediate curiosity, encouraging shoppers to make spontaneous purchases that they hadn’t anticipated making. 

Top Benefits of POP Displays in Retail Settings

The advantage of having a well-crafted point-of-purchase display can’t be underestimated. From increasing your sales to growing your brand, these are the top four benefits of an effective POP display. 

1. POP Displays Increase Impulse Purchases

Using custom displays is a great way to prompt a purchase. Placing a POP display at the checkout area of a retail store capitalizes on a consumer’s willingness to add last-minute items to their cart, driving more sales for your brand that you could have otherwise missed out on. 

Don’t forget, roughly 76% of buying decisions are made in the store. That’s a huge opportunity. Just look at how Lululemon increases purchases by displaying products while shoppers stand in line.

POP Displays

2. Boost Your Brand Awareness

Let a custom display act as your ever-present, beautifully designed brand ambassador. Displays should be placed in high-traffic areas and feature eye-catching graphics, logos, and colors that help customers identify your brand and consume your messaging. Even if you don’t get the sale immediately, you’ll be introducing yourself to potential customers who could return to make a purchase in the future. 

3. Drive Promotions with Custom Displays

Limited-time offers, discounts, and bundled products are all the more powerful when offered at the checkout line. Your retail packaging and custom display can work together to highlight your promotions and move more inventory. 

4. Point-of-Purchase Displays Leave a Lasting Impression

Custom displays give you the opportunity to be creative and leave a lasting impression (keep reading to see some of the most creative POP displays that we love). 

Corrugated cardboard POP displays are a cost-effective way to make a mark on consumers and draw attention to your products, especially when you work with a company like Atlas Packaging. Be sure to reach out if you’d like to discuss your options

Designing Point-of-Purchase Displays That Drive Sales

When it comes to point-of-sale displays, it all begins with choosing your structure and design. These are the critical elements to consider when crafting your custom display to maximize your sales efforts. 

POS Displays

Use Eye-Catching Graphics and Colors

Remember this three-word saying when it comes time to design your POP display: Bold is gold

Bright colors like red, yellow, and orange can immediately draw your customers’ attention, giving you a chance to sell them with your messaging. Keep in mind that colors should tie into your branding, ensuring that your logo is present and that your brand is instantly recognizable. Communicate the key selling points quickly, and use large, clear typography that won’t cause any confusion. 

Be Strategic With Point-of-Purchase Display Placement

Maximizing high-traffic locations is the name of the game, which is where counter displays and side kicks can become your best friend. Placing your products near the checkout gives you the best chance at converting a sale, so leverage checkout displays accordingly. 

Anything that allows customers to browse while they’re forced to wait increases the likelihood of last-minute purchases. 

Pro-tip: Aim for eye-level placement for your point-of-purchase display so that your products are easily noticed. 

Important Material and Durability Considerations

Corrugated cardboard POP displays are sturdy enough to support a variety of products while remaining lightweight for easy transportation and quick setup. Our custom displays are designed to be easy to assemble, making them ideal for retailers and brands who need a quick, painless setup. 

The Best Examples of Effective Point-of-Purchase Displays

Here are a few of the best examples of effective POP displays from some of the world’s top brands. 

1. hims & hers: Clear Brand Messaging

This corrugated cardboard POP display from hims & hers does a fantastic job of showcasing multiple products at once, with simple language to draw attention to their entire offering. It’s on-brand and nails the messaging in just a few words. 

Branded POP Display

2. Earth Rated: A Small But Mighty Counter Display

Earth Rated is a brand that cares about making life with dogs simpler and better, so it’s fitting that their counter display makes purchasing decisions simpler. This small, bold display highlights their products simply and beautifully, inspiring last-minute shoppers to grab a bag or dispenser at the point of sale. 

point of purchase display

3. B. by Superdrug: Highlighting a Promotion Point-of-Purchase Displays

We love the bold colors that B. by Superdrug chose here. This is a fantastic example of how custom displays can be used to highlight a promotion. The half-price feature is placed right at eye level, ensuring customers don’t miss the brand’s most crucial call out. 

cardboard pop displays

4. Harry’s: A Creative Point-of-Purchase Display

If you need some custom display inspiration, head to your local Target and check out what Harry’s is doing. They’re constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity, like with this off-set display highlighting their razors, face wash, and body wash. 

custom pop displays

Transform Your In-Store Sales With Custom Displays

Retail packaging and point-of-purchase displays are a proven way to capture attention and drive in-store sales. Together, they offer customers a chance to consider new products and connect with your brand in a meaningful way at a high-value moment. 
Whether you’re looking to enhance brand awareness, introduce new products, or boost seasonal sales, Atlas Packaging offers custom POP displays tailored to meet your brand’s unique needs. Contact us today to create a display that helps you drive more sales.